Process for the Production of Bromide of Albumen, Bromide of Peptone, and Albuminous or Peptonous Derivatives of Bromine
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Sept., 1899-Accepted, 4th Nov., 1899
[Communicated from abroad by CHEMISCHE FABRIK HELFENBERG ACTIEN
GESELLSCHAFT, formerly Eugen Dieterich, of Helfenberg, near Dresden,
Saxony, in the Empire of Germany, Chemical Manufacturers.]
Process for the Production of Bromide of Albumen, Bromide of Peptone,
and Albuminous or Peptonous Derivatives of Bromine,
I, SAMUEL SIDNEY BROMIIEAD, of 33, Cannon Street, in the City and County
of London, Patent Agent (communication from abroad), do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:—
It appears at once obvious from a theoretical point of view that the complicated
combination of the albuminous molecules and the high percentage of carbon
in the albumen itself and its derivatives renders them suitable for the production
of a large number of bromic-albuminous compounds, that is to say, of isomeric
and polymeric bodies, which in each case have a different combination and
different action. The number of isomerics in the albumen-molecules is such that
an equal number of processes are required to enable every theoretically possible
combination to be carried out in practice. Thus each different process, especially
in connection with albumen, must lead to the production of a different body
or at least one similar to it. This makes it imperative, with the hereinafter
described process, to strictly adhere to the quantitative proportions and conditions
in order to produce the bromic-albuminous compound or bromic-peptonous or
similar albuminous or peptonous bromine derivatives.
My process is as follows:-I take 430 gr. of dried white of egg from fowls'
eggs or dry peptone, or any other suitable albuminous or peptonous substance
and dissolve same in 3,600 gr. of distilled water, and the albuminous solution
is then strained through a cloth, in order to separate the soluble from the insoluble
parts (about 10%). I prepare a spirituous solution of bromal and brom-ethyl
by carefully introducing 60 gr. of anhydrous bromine into 200 gr. of diluted
spirit. The solution of organic bromine-compounds which are capable of easy
reaction is allowed to stand for 24 hours until a clear colour is observed and
free bromine is no longer traceable. This bromine solution is then slowly
poured into the albumen solution and carefully stirred therewith, and the mix-
ture, in which only a few yellowish coloured flakes appear in suspension, is care-
fully covered and put aside.
After a few hours, a reaction sets in, and causes the yellowish mixture to
suddenly turn into a thick colourless jelly. At the moment that the reaction
by the bromine compound takes effect upon the albumen no free bromine can
be detected.
After allowing a few hours rest well covered up, the entire mixture is heated
over a steam bath and is brought to a weight of 800 gr.
Thereupon a cleansing process is carried out by the aid of diluted alcohol
by mixing the 800 gr. with 700 gr. of strong spirits, then heating for several
minutes and after settling allowing it to cool and then compressing. The result

page_text: is a yield of about 400 gr. of bromide of albumen, which should be carefully
dried at 35° to 40° C.
The albuminous bromine thus produced contains about 12% of firmly fixed
intramolecular bromine and when pulverized it presents a thoroughly white
odourless and tasteless powder which on being boiled with water for a consider-
able time imparts thereto a weak sour reaction owing to slight traces of brom-
hydrogen acid. Free bromine is not traceable nor any other compounds besides
the bromide of albumen. The bromine is so firmly held that only very strong
acids, such as nitric acid, sulphuric acid, or only melting alkalis are capable of
separating it, melting potassium hydroxide cannot completely extract the bromine
even after a prolonged action. (The analysis of the bromine is effected by
heating with nitrate of silver, and nitric acid in a closed tube according to the
K. Dieterich process. Pharm. Journal 1898 Nos. 51 and 52.)
The main feature of my novel method for the production of bromide of
albumen, bromide of peptone, bromide of gluten and so on is that an organic
bromine compound, that is to say, bromal or bromethyl is utilized in connection
with a diluted solution of spirit to produce the interchanging action with dis-
solved albumen or an albuminous or peptonous body, by avoiding strong heating,
and also strongly decomposing, reagents.
While in other processes, as for example, when inorganic bromine salts, or
pure bromine, or undissolved albumen is used, the absorption of bromine is very
slow and not complete, the use of the before mentioned organic bromine com-
binations in a weak solution of spirit according to this improved process, by
which the bromine is completely and very rapidly absorbed, is characterized in
that the yellowish coloured mass as before mentioned suddenly solidifies into a
thick colourless jelly in which no free bromine can be detected..
The yield according to this method is an almost quantitative one. The
bromide of albumen thus produced contains about 12% of bromine, is insoluble
in water, and is suitable for disinfecting and also as a sleeping draught. In
regard to this latter use, it has the advantage that even when taken in large
doses it is entirely harmless while yet producing a more lasting effect as has
been proved from observations.
It is therefore in the first place a remedy for replacing the sleeping potions
hitherto in use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
A process for the production of bromide of albumen, bromide of peptone,
bromide of gluten or similar albuminous or peptonous derivatives of bromine,
containing about 12% of bromine, characterized by the action of a spirituous
solution of bromal and bromethyl upon a watery solution of albumen, peptone,
gluten or a solution of an albuminous or peptonous body while avoiding strong
heat or the use of decomposing mediums, as herein explained and described.
D
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