The Dispersion of Wool Protein by Thiols in Acid Solution

Abstract

Wool suffers a loss in weight of up to 50% in 24 hr. on treatment at 50-60° C. with a salt-free aqueous solution of a particular thiol containing sufficient selected acid to bring the pH value to approximately 2. The extent of extraction depends on a number of factors such as temperature, time, pH. and the nature or concentration of thiol, acid, and any salt or other reagent which may be present. The dispersed keratin appears to undergo no appreciable chemical degradation apart from reductive fission of the disulfide bonds of the cystine residues.

Apart from a small amount of residue consisting of cell membranes. wool is com pletely solubilized by treatment with concentrated aqueous thioglycollic acid at 60° C. in the absence of salts.