The extent of reduction of wool proteins by thiols

Abstract

The extent of reduction of disulphide groups in Merino wool by dilute solutions of thiols in aqueous alcohols at 20 °C has been studied by carboxymethylation of the reduced wool and estimation of the residual disulphide in the product. The wool fibres remain intact throughout the process. Under these conditions toluene-ω-thiol was the most effective agent giving 93% reduction in 2 days, and more than 99% reduction by repeated reduction-carboxymethylation cycles. With Lincoln wool 100% reduction was achieved.