Studies of the complexes of iron with various biological materials

Abstract

Ferric, but not ferrous, iron appears to form stable complexes with non-diffusible P compounds (e.g., phosphatids and phosphoproteins), but not with simple proteins (e.g., gelatin, edestin, and the proteins of egg white). Ferric iron is liberated from these complexes by reducing agents, e.g., Na hydrosulphite, thiolacetic acid. Ferric iron is also liberated from such complexes by Na pyro-phosphate[long dash]probably owing to the formation of unionized ferric pyrophosphate. Copper does not form such complexes. Part at least of the iron of the red blood corpuscles is in the ferrous condition.