The chemistry of the bark of Robina pseud-acacia, Linné (false acacia or common locust) / by Frederick B. Power.

  • Power, Frederick B. (Frederick Belding), 1853-1927
Date:
[1901]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The chemistry of the bark of Robina pseud-acacia, Linné (false acacia or common locust) / by Frederick B. Power. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    chloric acid, a small amount of a crystalline substance has been obtained, agreeing in composition, melting point, and other properties with syringic acid, C9Hlo05, together with a red, amorphous substance corresponding to syringenin. There is likewise formed by the hydrolysis a dextro-rotatory sugar, the osazone of which has a melting-point agreeing with that of (/-glucose. these related facts would seem to indicate the presence in the bark of the glucoside syringin, C(7H24 09. On the other hand, it may be observed that syringic acid is not a product of the direct hydrolysis of syringin, but is formed by the hydrolysis of an intermediate substance resulting from the oxidation of syringin—namely, gluco-syringic acid, k\r,H20Ol0, and there is therefore the possibility that this latter substance may also pre-exist in the bark. Although this can only be determined by the isolation of the initial substances, it may be mentioned that in all the operations for the extraction of the substances from Robinia bark, every precaution was taken to prevent oxidation by evaporating the solutions under diminished pressure. (4) The bark contains, furthermore, a small amount of tannin, some amorphous colouring matter, a sugar—probably J-glucose —and a considerable amount of fatty matter and resin. The resin, as previously shown, is devoid of any marked physio¬ logical action, and also possesses no special chemical interest. In the latter part of this investigation I have been kindly assisted by Dr. H. A. D. Jowett and Mr. F. H. Lees, of the laboratory staff, to whom my thanks are due. The Wellcome Chemical Research Laboratories. Printed by Clembnt’s Printing Works, Limited, Newspaper Buildings Portugal Street, Strand, W.C.