All attempts to obtain a crystallisation of xylose from the solution neutralised (BaCO3), filtered, and evaporated, failed. The reaction with phloroglucol and HCl, moreover, was not the characteristic red of the pentoses, but a deep violet. The product was then isolated as a dry residue by evaporating further and drying at 105°. Elementary analysis gave the numbers C 44.2, 44.5, and H 6.7, 6.3. Determinations of furfural gave 39.5 to 42.5 p.ct. On treating the original solution with hydrogen peroxide, and warming, oxidation set in, with evolution of CO2. This was estimated (by absorption), giving numbers for CO2, 19.5, 20.5, 20.1 p.ct. of the substance.
The sum of these quantitative data is inconsistent with a pentose or pentosane formula; it is more satisfactorily expressed by the empirical formula
which represents a pentose monoformal. Attempts to synthesise a compound of this formula have been so far without success.
UEBER EINIGE CHEMISCHE VORGÄNGE IN DER GERSTENPFLANZE.
C. F. Cross, E. J. Bevan, and C. Smith (Berl. Ber., 1895, 2604).
THE CHEMICAL LIFE-HISTORY OF THE BARLEY PLANT.
(p. 84) Owing to the presence of 'furfuroids' in large proportion as constituents of the tissues of the stems of cereals, these plants afford convenient material for studying the problem of the constitution of the tissue-furfuroids, as well as their relationship to the normal celluloses. The growing barley plant was investigated at successive periods of growth. Yield of furfural was estimated on the whole plant and on the residue from a treatment with alkaline and acid solvents in the cold such as to remove all cell contents. This residue is described as 'permanent tissue.' The observations were carried out through two growing seasons—1894-5—which were very different in character, the former being rainy with low temperature, the latter being abnormal in the opposite direction, i.e. minimum rainfall and maximum sunshine. The barley selected for observation was that of two experimental plots of the Royal Agricultural Society's farm, one (No. 1) remaining permanently unmanured, and showing minimum yield, the other (No. 6) receiving such fertilising treatment as to give maximum yields.
The numerical results are given in the annexed tables: