Amino-acids, acyl-amino-acids, dipeptides, acyl-dipeptides, and derivatives of these compounds

Abstract

Solutions of several amino acids and of a large number of derivatives of amino acids and dipeptides were submitted to the action of cathode rays and u.-v.; spectroscopic measurements showed that in all cases the compounds underwent a change, regardless of whether the constituent amino acids are primary, secondary or tertiary. Ammonia was liberated from all compounds upon irradiation. Possible reaction mechanisms are given.