Disulphide interchange reactions

Abstract
A disulfide interchange reaction of the type R1SSR1 + R2SSR2 = 2R1SSR2 was studied in acid, neutral and slightly alkaline solutions. The reaction is inhibited in acid solution by thiols. The reaction in neutral and alkaline solution is catalyzed by thiols and inhibited by thiol-binding reagents. A mechanism for the reaction in neutral and alkaline solutions is suggested. Suitable conditions were determined for the hydrolysis of proteins without disulfide interchange occurring.