Note 45 — Chapter III · OXYGEN AND THE CHIEF ASPECTS OF ITS SALINE COMBINATIONS

If hydrogen gas be passed through a volatile liquid hydrocarbon—for instance, through benzene (the benzene may be poured directly into the vessel in which hydrogen is generated)—then its vapour burns with the hydrogen and gives a very bright flame, because the resultant particles of carbon (soot) become incandescent. Benzene, or platinum gauze, introduced into a hydrogen flame may be employed for illuminating purposes.