Paraldehyde
CoH12O3, a polymer of acetaldehyde. A water-white liquid, with a peculiar, but not unpleasant odor, and a burning, but subsequently cooling taste. Specific gravity 0.995, melting point 12.6° C. boiling point 124° C. Prepared from acetaldehyde by the action of hydrochloric acid, sulphur dioxide or zinc chloride. Paraldehyde is a hypnotic, and differs from choral in its greater speed of action and in that it has no depressant effect on the heart. Its administration sometimes causes an outbreak on the skin, and in large doses it may cause digestive trouble. It is also used in the manufacture of dyes.
PARALYSIS