The action of alkalis on wool

Abstract

The combined cystine of wool has been divided into equal fractions called (A + B) and (C + D) which differ in their mode of reaction with weak alkalis and NaHSO3. Fraction (A + B) gives combined lanthionine when the wool is treated with alkalis and thiol and S-cysteinesulfonate groups when wool is treated with NaHSO3. Fraction (C + D) is converted into combined [alpha]-amino-acrylic acid by alkalis and also by warm solns. of NaHSO3, but does not react with NaHSO3 at room temp. Each fraction of the combined cystine has been divided into 2 subfractions. A yields lanthionine more rapidly and at lower alkalinities than B. A yields water-labile thiol and S-cysteinesulfonate groups, whereas those derived from B are water stable. D is converted to combined a-amino-acrylic acid by alkalis and NaHSO3 more readily than C. No significant differences have been found between the reactivities toward weak alkalis of unstretched wool fibers and those stretched 30%.