Butyric Acid
A thin, colorless, oily liquid, soluble in water and alcohol; specific gravity .963; boils at 327° Fahr. It may be procured from the butyrate of magnesia by adding a little sulphuric acid in quantity not quite sufficient to decompose the whole cipitated by oxalic acid, which throws down clear liquor, when the product will be butyric oxalate of lime and sets free the lactic acid. acid, from which the water may be removed The liquid is again filtered, and the filtrate by chloride of calcium. It forms butyrates consists of a solution of lactic acid, containing with some of the bases. (See No. 1625.) 'some sugar of milk (lactin) and certain salts. 3967. Malic Acid. Malic acid is very Next concentrate the solution to a syrupy soluble in water, slightly deliquescent, has a consistence, and treat it with alcohol, which pleasant acidulous taste, and, when neutraldissolves the acid and precipitates all the ized with the bases, forms salts called malates. other matter. The solution is finally filtered When kept fused for some time at a low heat, and the lactic acid obtained pure by distilling it is converted into paramalic or fumaric off the alcohol. (U. S. Dis.) lution. The liquor is filtered again and pre- of the butyrate used; filter and distill the acid; and when quickly distilled, it yields