“Ion protein compounds,” with exhibition of products

About five years ago the author found that “when the electric current is passed through neutral or alkaline mucoid solutions (consisting of sodium or calcium salts of mucoids) turbidity results within a short time, and flocks eventually form and can be filtered off.” This observation was included in a preliminary report of work then in progress. 1 About the same time Huiskamp had been making similar observations in connection with salts of nucleoprotein from thymus. 2 Shortly afterward, in preparing material for work in another connection, 3 the author precipitated from an alkaline solution (Na₂CO₃) of mucoid, with the aid of acetone after failure with alcohol, a water-soluble compound — apparently sodium mucoid. This fact has not been published hitherto, although it was stated at that time that organic compounds, such as gelatomucoid, had been obtained. 1

The author has lately prepared calcium, sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of mucoid by the following process: The gluco-protein was obtained in slightly alkaline solution. This solution was dialyzed until neutral and then was poured into a large excess of 95 per cent. alcohol, by which treatment the mucoid was immediately precipitated. Initial purification was effected by resolution, dialysis and reprecipitation. The products were rendered anhydrous by treatment with absolute alcohol and ether. Probably all bases yield such salts, although the author confined his remarks to salts of inorganic hydroxids.

The comparatively pure inorganic salts of the mucoids thus prepared are light, snow-white powders. They dissolve in water very readily and are dissociable products. The concentrated solutions resemble mucus. The aqueous solutions are neutral to litmus and acid to phenolphthalein. Ammonium compounds have been prepared that were acid to litmus also. The calciumsalt yields about 12 per cent. of ash, whereas the corresponding mucoid is practically ash free.