STUDIES ON THIAMINE DISULFIDE

1. Ultraviolet absorption spectra of the aqueous solution of O-benzoylthiamine disulfide (BTDS) was determined at various pH levels. They showed the changes according to pH, the isobestic points being at 239 and 274mμ.2. The structure of BTDS was definitely proved by infrared absorption spectra.3. BTDS is soluble in mineral acids, chloroform, glacial acetic acid and methanol, but sparingly soluble in water and other organic solvents.4. The partition coefficient of BTDS between n-butanol or benzene and 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) is remarkably large as compared with those of related compounds. In O-acyltiamine disulfide homologues, the value increases logarithmically with the rise in the number of carbon atoms of the acyl group.5. RF values is as high as 0.85±0.03, when the developing solvent consisted of butanol, acetic acid and water. It can therefore be isolated from other compounds.6. Aqueous solution of BTDS at a concentration of 2mg/ml is fairly stable even in a weakly alkaline solution.7. The powder of BTDS mixed with alkaline salts (calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate) was proved to be fairly stable even when stored under a hot and humid condition.