Abstract
INVESTIGATIONS of the chemistry of the thiolsulphinates, both synthetic and of natural provenance, would be aided if a rapid colorimetric test for these compounds were available. Aliphatic thiolsulphinates can be characterized, in part at least, by reaction with thiamine1 or with cysteine2 to yield crystalline derivatives; but these methods do not generally distinguish thiolsulphinates from thiolsulphonates, since the latter compounds will also react with these reagents. The addition of sodium nitroprusside3 solution followed by base will yield orange to red colours in the presence of aliphatic thiolsulphinates or thiolsulphonates. This procedure has found application in paper chromatography3 in investigations of the formation of thiolsulphinates in plants of the genus Allium. In our experience, the colour, however, is very fugitive and is apparently not produced by some aromatic thiolsulphinates.
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CARSON, J., WONG, F. A Colour Reaction for Thiosulphinates. Nature 183, 1673 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/1831673b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1831673b0
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