=Oil of Almonds (Facti''tious).= _Syn._ ESSENCE OF MIRBANE, NITROBENZOL.
The preparation of this article on the small scale is explained under
NITROBENZOL. It is now extensively prepared as a substitute for the oil of
almonds obtained by distillation. The following is Mansfield's
process:--The apparatus consists of a large glass worm, the upper end of
which is divided into two branches, gradually dilating so as to form two
funnel-shaped tubes. Into one of these concentrated nitric acid is poured,
and into the other benzol, which need not, for this purpose, be chemically
pure. These bodies meet at the point of junction of the two tubes, and the
rate of their flow is regulated by any appropriate means. Chemical
reaction instantly takes place, and the new compound is cooled by its
passage through the worm, which is refrigerated for the purpose. It has
then only to be washed with water or a very weak solution of carbonate of
soda for the process to be complete. The product has the sp. gr. 1.209,
boils at 415 deg. Fahr., has an intensely sweet taste, and an odour closely
resembling, but not actually identical with, that of oil of bitter
almonds. Unlike genuine oil of almonds or hydride of benzoyl, it is
insoluble in water, and does not distil without suffering partial
decomposition. It is chiefly used to scent soaps, and to adulterate the
genuine oil. The benzol for this purpose is obtained from coal-tar. See
BENZOL and NITROBENZOL.