A crystalline antirachitic substance

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A crystalline antirachitic substance has been obtained by distillation of irradiated ergosterol in a high vacuum. Several grams of this substance have now been produced, as compared with the few milligrams described earlier. Attempts to detect a possible contaminant of high antirachitic activity failed, and it is believed that the observed activity is an inherent property of the substance. The name "calciferol" is provisionally suggested, pending further elucidation of the structure of this substance. It shows a high antirachitic activity of 20,000 M.R.C. units per mgm, a melting point of 123-125[degree] C, and a high dextrorotation [image] + 260[degree]. It appears to contain an alcoholic hydroxyl group, and to be an isomeride of ergosterol. It shows unexpected stability, being almost unchanged after keeping for 6 weeks in vacuo, or even in dry air at room temperature. Its relation to "vitamin D" is discussed, with the conclusion that there are probably not less than 2 compounds each possessing intense antirachitic activity. It is uncertain whether calciferol is normally present in irradiated ergosterol, or is produced -only by the subsequent action of heat.

This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit: