Hexuronic Acid as the Antiscorbutic Factor

Abstract

THE ‘hexuronic acid’ prepared from suprarenal glands by Prof. Szent-Györgyi was a cream-coloured micro-crystalline powder, m.p. 184°–187° (decomp.). On recrystallisation from methyl alcohol-ether the substance was obtained in irregular aggregates of rectangular crystals, which were almost colourless. No change in m.p., analysis, or other properties was observed even after several successive crystallisations. The crystals showed brilliant colours when observed between crossed nicols in a polarising microscope. Before and after recrystallisation the same analytical figures were obtained (Found: C, 41.0; H, 4.7. C₆H₈O₆ requires C, 40.9 ; H, 4.5 per cent). Neither nitrogen nor methoxyl was present. In aqueous solution the rotation [a]^20°_D +23° (c. 1.1) increased slowly to +31° (3 days) and then decreased to zero (11 days).