Isolation of 2-Aminoethanesulphinic Acid from a Mollusc

Abstract

PAPER chromatographic analyses of extracts from Septifer (Mytilisepta) virgatus (Wiegmann) by means of the iodine–azide reaction¹ showed the presence of an unusual sulphur compound, leading to its isolation. The isolate was identified as 2-aminoethanesulphinic acid. In 1951 Bergeret and Chatagner² observed paper chromatographically that this compound was formed from cysteinesulphinic acid by the action of liver acetone powder. Furthermore, in 1953, Awapara and Wingo³ isolated ³⁵S-2-aminoethanesulphinic acid and ³⁵S-taurine from rat liver after injection of ³⁵S-cysteine. 2-Aminoethanesulphinic acid, however, has never been reported to be isolated directly from organisms under natural conditions without administration of the precursors such as cysteinesulphinic acid, cysteine or cystine. We have found that every tissue of this Septifer contains this compound in considerable quantity.