On a new bleaching principle produced by the slow combustion of Æther in atmospheric air, and by the rapid combustion of bodies in a jet of hydrogen gas

Abstract

The author, having observed that a peculiar principle, in many respects similar to chlorine, was developed during the slow combus­tion of phosphorus in the atmosphere, was led to inquire into the product of the slow combustion of the vapour of aether mixed with atmospheric air. He finds, that besides well-known compounds, such as aldehydic, formic and acetic acids, there is evolved a principle hitherto unnoticed, which possesses oxidizing and bleaching proper­ties in an eminent degree. It decomposes indigo, iodide of potas­sium, and hydroiodic acid, and also, though,more slowly, bromide of potassium. When in contact with water, it converts iodine into iodic acid, and sulphurous into sulphuric acid, changes the yellow ferro-cyanide of potassium into the red, and the white cyanide of iron into the blue; it transforms the salts of protoxide of iron into those of the peroxide; and it discharges the colours produced by sulphuret of lead. The author points out the similarity between the action of this substance, in these instances, and that of chlorine and of ozone. Analogous results were obtained from the combustion of a jet of hydrogen gas in atmospheric air, and even, under particular circum­stances, from the flame of a common candle, and also from various other inflammable bodies when burning under certain conditions. The author is hence led to the conclusion that this peculiar oxidizing and bleaching principle is produced in all cases of rapid combustion taking place in atmospheric air, and that its production is therefore independent of the nature of the substance which is burnt.