The action of unsaturated aldehydes on wool

Abstract

The action on wool of acraldehyde α-methacraldehyde, crotonaldehyde, and cinnamaldehyde has been studied. Of these compounds, acraldehyde reacts most readily, combining with the free sulphydryl groups and reacting under alkaline conditions with the lysine. There is no evidence from physical measurements to suggest the presence of new cross-links. Reaction becomes much more marked on reduction of the wool, both carbonyl and olefinic groupings of the acraldehyde derivatives reacting with cysteine residues. Acraldehyde also reacts with the lysine in reduced wool. Physical measurements on reduced wool treated with acraldehyde or α-methacraldehyde indicate that cross-linking has occurred.