The cuprous derivatives of some sulphydryl compounds

METALLIC derivatives of mercaptans have been long known and in the cases of mercury and lead extensively studied. The copper derivatives on the other hand, though they have been prepared on numerous occasions, have received comparatively little attention and have rarely even been analysed. It is one of the purposes of this paper to point out that the formation of a cuprous compound is a general reaction of mercaptans, and that such compounds are frequently very well suited for their isolation or purification.