Observations on the oxidation of homogentisic acid in urine

Abstract

Paper chromatography of homogentisic acid and benzo-quinoneacetic acid is described, and a method is given for the detn. of homogentisic acid in urine after separation on paper chromatograms. The u.-v. absorption spectra of these 2 substances were detd. The behavior of homogentisic acid in urines under oxidizing conditions was followed by means of u.-v. spectrophotometry. Conversion to the quinone takes place in urine, if nitrous acid is present or when the urine is made alkaline. By paper chromatography and by spectrophotometry, homogentisic acid and benzoquinoneacetic acid were found to be absent from the urines of rheumatic fever cases, scorbutic guinea pigs and rats with exptl. methemo-globinaemia.