Abstract
One of us (Ponder 1 ) has already discussed the relation between the chemical structure of the benzene derivatives and the extent to which they accelerate hemolysis by the simple lysins, and has formulated a single expression to indicate the accelerating power of any substance in any concentration.∗ This note considers acceleration by the straight chain alcohols, from propyl to nonyl.
Method. The method used was that described by Ponder. 1 By a comparison of 2 time-dilution curves the acceleration for a given concentration of alcohol was determined. From this R value and the concentration of alcohol in mM/1, a value for (l-R)/c was obtained.†
As with the benzene derivatives, the solubility of the higher alcohols in water is very small and great care has to be taken to obtain known amounts in solution. In all cases below amyl alcohol the concentration employed was as close to saturation as possible. Propyl alcohol showed no acceleration in concentrations as great as 1.5 M/l. In higher concentrations, about 5 M/l, this alcohol is lytic per se (Gordon 2 ). Butyl and amyl alcohols are relatively soluble in water and it was unnecessary to approach saturation to get sufficiently concentrated solutions for acceleration. The concentrations used are given in Column 2 of Table I.
The alcohols used were obtained from Eastman Kodak Company, and had boiling-point ranges of not more than 5°C. Saponin in dilutions of 1:10,000 to 1:60,000 was used as the lysin throughout. Time-dilution curves were plotted at 25 °C in isotonic NaCl.
Results. In Table I the results with the various alcohols are summarized.
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