The detection of acetyl-methyl-carbinol in bacterial cultures A comparative study of the methods of O'Meara and of Barritt

Abstract

The early work on the chemistry of the Voges-Proskauer reaction is too well known to need consideration here. Several workers tried to hasten and strengthen the reaction by the addition of various oxidizing agents, but with little success. O'Meara (1931) made the first real advance when he investigated anew the chemistry of the reaction and found the accepted views incorrect in several respects. As a result he added creatine to the culture, used a much stronger alkaline solution than had hitherto been customary, and so achieved a marked improvement in the rapidity of development and intensity of the colour. He recommended the use of 24 hr. cultures.