Ethyl, Oxalate of

(C 2 H 5 ) 2 C 2 O 4 . Syn. Oxalic ether , Oxalate of oxide of ethyl ; Æther oxalic us , L. Prep. Alcohol and dry oxalic acid, equal parts, are digested together in a gla flask furnished with a very long gla tube of small bore, so that the spirit, volatilised by the heat, may be condensed, and flow back into the flask. After 6 or 8 hours the proce is generally complete, and the liquid contains merely a trace of free acid, from which it may be separated. Prop., . A colourle , oily liquid, slightly heavier than water, boiling at 363° Fahr., only slightly soluble in water, and having an aromatic smell. Alkalies decompose it. Sp. gr. 1·09.