Ethylenic Reaction of Ceroid with Performic Acid and Schiff Reagent

Abstract

On oxidation with performic (or peracetic) acid ceroid becomes Schiff positive. This reaction is prevented by prior bromination, but not by acetylation. Interposition of bisulfite, semi-carbazide or phenylhydrazine blockades after the oxidation and before the leucofuchsin prevents the positive Schiff reaction on short exposure, but a long (3 hour) Schiff bath overcomes the blockade in all three instances. Prior acetylation blocks the periodic acid Schiff reaction of ceroid, but bromination does not.These findings indicate the presence in ceroid of ethylenic groupings as well as 1,2 glycols.