Chloretone, acetonchloroform, or trichlor tertiary butyl alcohol, has, according to Willgerodt, the following formula:
It is formed when caustic potash is slowly added to equal weights of chloroform and acetone, and may be isolated from this mixture, after the removal of any excess of acetone and chloroform, by distilling with steam. Obtained in this manner, it is a white crystalline compound, having a camphoraceous odor. When freed from water by melting, and allowed to cool, the camphoraceous odor is more pronounced and its general appearance resembles camphor more closely. It is very soluble in chloroform, acetone, strong alcohol, ether, benzin, and glacial acetic acid, sparingly soluble in cold water (1 per cent.), more soluble in boiling water. Dilute acids and alkalies are apparently without effect; concentrated sulphuric acid decomposes it. When purified by distillation with steam or when recrystallized from water, it melts between 80-81 C.; when freed from water,