The preparation of reduced and S-alkykated wool keratins using Tri-n-butylphosphine

Abstract

When tri-n-butylphosphine is used to reduce the disulphide groups in wool keratin, several different methods can be used for the subsequent alkylation of the thiol groups formed. A novel feature is that in some oases reduction and alkylation can be effected using tri-n- butylphosphine and the alkylating agent acting simultaneously. S-Alkyl kerateines have been prepared using 11 alkylating agents of various chemical types. By means of such a technique a quantitative and apparently specific conversion of cystinyl residues in wool keratin to S.(2-aminoethyl)cysteinyl residues has been achieved.