Solubilization of Keratins by Reaction with Ethylene Oxide

Abstract

THE reactions of keratins and other proteins with epoxides have been described by several investigators¹. The chemical modification of wool by reaction with mono- or di-functional epoxides in aqueous or alcoholic solution at or near room temperature has also been studied. In general, the acid and alkali solubility is decreased by reaction with di-functional epoxides, but increased if a monofunctional epoxide is employed². We have recently found, however, that quite different results are obtained if wool is heated with ethylene oxide and a small amount of N,N-dimethylaniline with no solvent, as described by Haas et al.³ for making hydroxyethyl nylon. Under these conditions, the wool fibres are disintegrated and the product is soluble in water. Part of the ethylene oxide does not react and part is converted to polyethylene glycol which can be extracted from the aqueous solution with methylene chloride or toluene, although the latter solvent forms troublesome emulsions which are much more persistent than those formed by methylene chloride. A very small part of the ethylene oxide apparently becomes attached to the solubilizod wool.