2. Note on the Action of Ammonia on Dicloracetone

Extract

For some time I have been engaged in an attempt to replace the chlorine in monochloracetone and dichloracetone by other radicals, and with this object have acted upon them by means of cyanide of potassium, acetate of soda, and aqueous and alcoholic ammonia. In all of these cases the chlorine was removed as chloride of the alkaline metal or ammonium, and brown, tarry substances were produced, which resisted all attempts at purification. By the action of dry ammonia gas, however, I have obtained somewhat better results.