British anti-lewisite

Abstract

Keratine prepared from human hair contained 14-15% N and 1.2-1.4% S, was soluble in water and neutral salt soln., and precipitated at pH 4.6. Titration with excess lewisite introduced 0.5-0.6% As and with excess arsenite 0.3-0.6% As. Since 73-92% of As is accounted for on the basis that one mole of lewisite combines with 2 thiol groups, dithiols may prove more effective as antidotes. If keratine is oxidized from the thiol to the disulfide (metakeratin) then treatment with arsenicals gives prepns. with only traces of As, probably due to absorption.