Carbon Monoxide Production by Algae

Abstract
The production of carbon monoxide by homogenized tissues and extracts of Egregia menzies and other marine algae, as well as the higher plants Zostera marina and Medicago sativa, is demonstrated. The reaction producing carbon monoxide is stable to heat and requires oxygen. A compound with the properties of a polyphenol, isolated from a sulfuric acid digest of Egregia menzies, bears a close relationship to this production of carbon monoxide. Properties of the compound and its derivatives are described.