Absorption spectra of sperm-whale ferrimyoglobin

Abstract

Sperm-whale ferrimyoglobin was found to contain 0.308% of Fe, on a dry weight basis, corresponding to a molecular weight of 18,130. The solid takes up moisture to an equilibrium state, and was then assayed to contain 0.280% of Fe. Absorption spectra are presented for acidic ferrimyoglobin, Fe+ (H2O), and its conjugate base, Fe[long dash]OH, as well as for the fluoride and cyanide complexes, within the range 200[long dash]2500m[mu]. Data for ferromyoglobin-carbon monoxide. Fe (II)-CO, in the visible region are also included. Minor spectral differences have been found between whale and horse myoglobins, particularly in the effect of temperature on the visible-absorption spectrum of Fe[long dash]OH.