Some Observations Concerning The Chemical Reactions Occurring Between Formaldehyde and Peptone

Abstract

Abstract The uptake of formaldehyde by peptone has been studied. Relatively stable powders (formol-peptones) can be prepared by exposing peptone powder to the vapour phase over formalin for four days and drying the product in vacuo. Different batches of such powders, obtained from the same sample of peptone are of similar composition but formolpeptones obtained from different makes of peptone may differ considerably in composition. The state of binding between the formaldehyde and the peptone in powder and in solution has been investigated by means of the chromotropic acid and Vorländer's reactions. The firmness with which formaldehyde is bound to peptone in solution depends not only on the quantities of formaldehyde and peptone present but also on the previous relationship of the two substances. The reactions between formaldehyde and peptone have been found to be complex. Equilibrium is not readily attained either in solution or when peptone powder is exposed to formalin vapour.