A Study of the Interaction between 2-Thiobarbituric Acid and Cotton

Abstract

Solutions of 2-thiobarbituric acid have been shown to interact with raw cotton to form colored compounds. This interaction has been previously suggested as a test for radiation-damaged cotton [7]. Experiments were conducted to determine whether this interaction could be used as a diagnostic test for cotton which had been heat-damaged, as might occur during commercial ginning. While this test was found to be sensitive to the heating history of a given cotton, it was not possible to establish suitable absolute standards because of large differences among cottons. Investigation of the differences among cottons revealed that the interaction between 2-thiobarbituric acid and cotton is related to the alkali scourit)le matter in raw cotton as well as to fiber maturity. Possible uses for this test are suggested.