Hydration of Stearanilide

Abstract

A PHENOMENON of some interest was observed during the preparation of stearanilide. The finished product, recrystallized from absolute alcohol and from chloroform, melted at 93° C. When recrystallization from alcohol was being carried out, a portion of the alcoholic solution was poured into a large excess of cold water. A white material of much greater bulk than the dissolved stearanilide was thrown down. Initially of a gelatinous character, it became granular on standing. It was filtered off at the pump, washed with water, and dried in vacuo over fused calcium chloride for ten days. After drying, the material consisted of an amorphous white powder, dry to the touch and easily crumbled between the fingers. The powder had no definite melting-point but decomposed quite sharply at 88°–89°, yielding a drop of colourless liquid and a white solid. This white solid melted at 92°–93°.