ETHER, ACETIC

is used to flavour silent corn spirits in making imitation brandy. It may be prepared by mixing 20 parts of acetate of lead, 10 parts of alcohol, and 11 1 ⁄ 2 of concentrated sulphuric acid; or 16 of the anhydrous acetate, 5 of the acid, and 4 1 ⁄ 2 of absolute alcohol; distilling the mixture in a gla retort into a very cold receiver, agitating along with weak potash lye the liquor which comes over, decanting the supernatant ether, and rectifying it by re-distillation over magnesia and ground charcoal. Acetic ether is a colourle liquid of a fragrant smell and pungent taste, of spec. grav. 0·866 at 45° F., boiling at 166° F, burning with a yellowish flame, and disengaging fumes of acetic acid. It is soluble in 8 parts of water. Acetic ether may be economically made with 3 parts of acetate of potash, 3 of very strong alcohol, and 2 of the strongest sulphuric acid, distilled together. The first product must be re-distilled along with one fifth of its weight of sulphuric acid; as much ether will be obtained as there was alcohol employed.