BENUE

(7° 50’ N., 6° 40’ E.), river, W. Africa; principal tributary of Niger. LINI, BENVENUTO. known as artificial e ential oil of almonds. A colorle liquid having a fragrant odor resembling bitter almonds. Specific. gravity 1.0504, boiling point 179.9° C. Soluble in water, alcohol and ether. It is prepared by heating benzal chloride under pre ure with milk of lime and calcium carbonate, or by the oxidation of toluol, or by treating benzol with a mixture of gaseous carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride in the presence of cuprous chloride or aluminum bromide. It is used as a flavoring agent, in perfumery, and in the manufacture of dyestuffs. On exposure to air it oxidizes to benzoic acid.