SODII THIOSULPHAS—SODIUM THIOSULPHATE—SODIUM HYPOSULPHITE
Origin.—Sodium hyposulphite is prepared by dissolving sulphur in boiling aqueous solution of sodium sulphite.
Properties.—Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms; odorless and having a cooling, afterwards bitter taste. Permanent in air 91.4° F., but efflorescent in dry air above that temperature; slightly deliquescent in moist air. Soluble in about 0.35 parts of water at 77° F. At boiling heat the solution is rapidly decomposed; insoluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in turpentine.
Actions.—Sodium hyposulphite is an antiseptic, deodoriser and insecticide. In the presence of acids, without and also within the body, it gives off sulphurous acid, which it therefore resembles. It is thought to destroy ferments and bacteria, and removes offensive smells. Its properties are greatly increased when used along with the tar acids. When standing long in contact with water the sulphite decomposes and gives off hydrogen sulphide.
Uses.—Sodium hyposulphite is recommended in indigestion, fermentation, flatulence and foul smelling feces and in general septic conditions, but have proven as useless as most other medicines in their latter stages. It is used externally in parasitic affections of the skin and mouth in the form of an ointment or solution.
Doses.—Horses and cattle, 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1⁄2 to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.
SPIRITUS AETHERIS NITROSI—SPIRIT OF NITROUS ETHER—SWEET SPIRITS OF NITER
An alcoholic solution of ethyl nitrate, yielding when freshly prepared not less than four per cent of ethyl nitrate.
Derivative.—Mix sulphuric acid (40 c. c.) with water (120 c. c.), cool and add alcohol and water each, (85 c. c.) and place in (1000 c. c.) flask surrounded by ice and water. Dissolve sodium nitrate (100 gm.) in water (285 c. c.), filter and allow filtrate to drop slowly into the flask above. Wash ethyl nitrate formed with sodium carbonate solution, to remove acid, and agitate with potassium carbonate, to remove water. Add ethyl-nitrate to 22 times its weight of alcohol.
Properties.—A clear, mobile, volatile, inflammable liquid, of a pale-yellowish or faintly greenish-yellow tint, having a fragrant ethereal and pungent odor, free from acidity, and a sharp burning taste. Mixes freely with water and alcohol.