221 
The influence of sucrose on the conductivity of borie acid is very 
trifling, and reversely, also that of boric acid on the rotatory power 
of sucrose. 
1 1 
The change of ert sucrose to = N boric acid = +0 
3 
ee = —110-6 
> NET Bal eet "hee ale eee tee 
ee = —3x10-6 
d Sale ge B canes? eu 
The change in the rotation for these concentrations kept below 
0,13° and like that of the conductivity was exceedingly small indeed. 
ono If now we observe the subjoined symbol of 
i enol re sucrose in space, which is considered by 
Sate Woe, Torters and EH. Frscuer*) as the most probable 
0 5 5 
Sa 1e one, we notice that of the eight hydroxyl groups 
HG only those indicated by (1) and (2) can have 
| are . vn 8 : 
HON) a favourable position, that is to say, in the 
CH, OH (2) 
same plane and at the same side of the carbon 
atoms to which they are attached and undisturbed by other atoms. 
It was, however, to be expected that these two OH-groups will 
not be situated favourably, for they possess a freedom of motion 
analogous to that in the simple glycol and if in the latter the OH- 
groups repel each other it would be difficult to understand why they 
should not do so in the sucrose molecule. 
The almost complete indifference of sucrose towards boric acid 
(and probably towards many other compounds) now finds in its 
configuration a very simple explanation. 
These observations thus confirm the configuration of the sucrose 
as well as the value of the process for the more exact determination 
of the hydroxyl groups of organic compounds. I have been able to 
employ the method for determining the configuration of «- and B-dextrose. 
OH H 
CHOH __CHOH 4 f / 4 on(a) 
an CHOW CI <a 
mice | 
It is known that the above contigurations are now imputed to 
both these isomers. If this be correct they must behave differently 
in regard to boric acid. 
1) E. FiscHer, B 45, 461 (1912). 
15% 
