Present name. - Zincic Valeriate. Zn2C5H9O2.

May be obtained from the operative chemists.

Characters and Tests. - In brilliant white pearly tabular crystals, with a feeble odour of Valerianic Acid, and a metallic taste; scarcely soluble in cold water or in ether, soluble in hot water and alcohol. Heated to redness in an open crucible, it leaves a residue which, when dissolved in diluted Sulphuric Acid, yields with Ammonia a precipitate which entirely dissolves in an excess of the re-agent, and the resulting solution gives a white precipitate with Sulphide of Ammonium. Its solution in hot water is only feebly precipitated by Chloride of Barium. It gives, when heated with diluted Sulphuric Acid, a distillate which, when mixed with the Solution of Acetate of Copper, does not immediately affect the transparency of the fluid, but forms after a little time oily drops, which gradually pass into a bluish-white crystalline deposit.

Reference to Horn. Proving. - A short notice is given in B. J. H., xxv.

Preparation. - Trituration