The Nature and Amounts of Aldehyde in Gelatin

Abstract

Experiments aimed at assessing the nature and amounts of aldehydes normally occurring in commercial gelatins are described. The reagents employed include thiobarbituric acid, 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine and 3-methyl 2-benzothiazolone hydrazone, the last reagent being preferred. The amount of aldehydes found in a range of gelatins varied between about 170-600 ppm expressed as glyceraldehyde. The application of Sephadex showed that the major part of the aliphatic aldehydes are present in combination with the gelatin and it appears difficult to sever the gelatin aldehyde bond.