Potassium ethyl adipate was prepared by adding the calculated quantity of alcoholic potash to an alcoholic solution of adipic ether, and boiling. After the alcohol had been driven off on the waterbath, the residue, when shaken up with water and ether, yielded an aqueous solution which after concentration was used for electrolysis.

The electrolysis was conducted in precisely the same manner as in our former syntheses. A colourless oil was observed to collect on the top of the solution. After completion of the electrolysis, the contents of the crucible used as cathode were extracted by ether, which was subsequently distilled off and the residual oil kept for some hours at 120°. When hot this oil smells of melted butter, but on cooling the fatty odour disappears, a very slight smell resembling melons being left.