C8 H8 0 or C6 H5 CO CH3 or CO (CH3) (C6 H5). Phenyl-Methyl-Ketone. Acetophenon, or Acetyl-benzol.

This substance is a Ketone in which the group CO is associated with the two alcoholic radicals C6 H5 (Phenyl) and CH3 (Methyl) as under: -

It may also be considered Acetone C2 H3 0. CH3, in which CH3 is replaced by Phenyl (C6 H5); or Benzene (Benzol) in which one H is replaced by Phenyl.

Its hypnotic properties were discovered by Drs. Dujardin-Beaumetz and Bardet. It is prepared by the distillation of benzoate and acetate of calcium, and is a clear colourless liquid, becoming crystalline by moderate cold, with a very persistent aromatic odour: taste resembling creasote. Sparingly soluble in water, but readily in alcohol.

Therapeutics. More powerful than Chloral: if pure, would be too irritating and caustic. Dr. Moebs, of Breslau, has reported unfavourably of it.

Dose: 4 to 16 minims, according to age and temperament, gives four to six hours' sleep: given dissolved in spirit and mixed with syrup.