erythrite

[Gr. erythros =red, and Eng. suff. -ite ( Chem .) (q. v.).] 1. Chem .: Erythrol, erythromannite, erythroglucin, phycite, C4H6(OH)4. A tetratomic alcohol, existing ready formed in the alga, Pro to coccus vul. garis; also by boiling erythrin with baryta water, Erythrite crystallizes in large colorle prisms, melting at 120°, which are readily soluble in water, insoluble in ether, and sparingly in cold alcohol. Heat ing with concentrated hydriodic acid, converts it into secondary butyl iodide, CH3CHI CH2 CH3. Fused with caustic potash it yields oxalic and acetic acids. Erythrite has a sweet taste; it does not ferment with yeastacit is optically inactive. unites directly with forming ethers. It does not reduce an alkaline solution of a cupric salt. 2. Min .: A monoclinic mineral; its hardne 1.5 to 2.5; specific gravity, 2.9; luster on the different faces of the crystal from dull to adamantine; color red or greenish-gray. Composition: Arsenic acid, 38:43; oxide of cobalt, 37.55; water, 24:02. Earthy cobalt bloom is a variety of it, consisting of cobalt bloom with free arsenious acid. Found abroad in Saxony, Thu ring i a, Baden, Norway, .; in Cornwall and Cumber land, England, and near Killarney, Ireland. ( Dana .) Called also Erythrine (q. v.).