Hydrogen→Deuterium Exchange Reaction in α-Keratin

Abstract
A quantitative study of the hydrogen→deuterium exchange reaction in α‐keratin by means of infrared spectra showed that after 50 hr at 30°C about 30% of the peptide linkages had not reacted. Observations between 50 and 1000 hr failed to detect any further reaction but elevation of pD or temperature caused additional exchange. Evidence is presented which suggests that the unreactive peptide linkages occur in the organized regions of the structure (microfibrils) and that complete exchange of the replaceable hydrogen atoms in the sidechains takes place.

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