Electrical effects accompanying the decomposition of organic compounds. II.- Ionisation of the gases produced during fermentation

Abstract

It is well known that the gases liberated during certain chemical actions carry charges of electricity. Thus Lavoisier and Laplace found that the hydrogen liberated from the action of hydrochloric acid upon iron is charged positively. More recently Enright (1) has noted the same effect, and Townsend (2) has shown that the gases liberated during electrolysis are also charged. Ina previous paper (3) evidence has been brought forward to show that the decomposition of organic matter gives rise to electrical effects which are of the same nature as those produced by the action of acids upon metals. It seemed therefore an interesting point to investigate whether the CO 2 escaping from the fermentation of a saccharine solution might carry an electric charge and be ionised. To determine this point a series of experiments were carried out by the employment of a good leaf electroscope and a Dolezalek electrometer. The method adopted was to suspend a metal plate with rolled edge a few centimeters above of the surface of glucose undergoing fermentation through the action of yeast, the metal plate being connected with the electroscope or electrometer, and the whole suitably screened in a box lined with tinfoil. Readings were then taken in the ordinary manner.