x HSEMATOPORPHYRIN 525 



To separate the hsematin proceed as follows : Pour the mixture from 

 the flask into a large evaporating dish ; add some strong potash ; 

 evaporate ammonia to throw down excess of iron ; and a solution of 

 hsematin in potash remains as the hydrazin is decomposed by the free 

 exposure to the air. Now throw down the hsematin by the addition 

 of acid, collect the precipitate on a filter-paper, and wash it in dilute 

 HC1 till all traces of hsematoporphyrin have disappeared. Re- 

 dissolve the precipitated hsematin, and throw it down once more by 

 the addition of acid. 



Hsematoporphyrin is an acid, forming mono- and di-basic metallic 

 salts ; but it also forms a salt with hydrochloric acid which, when re- 

 crystallised from alcohol, forms brownish -red needles. Hsemato- 

 porphyrin is precipitated by acetic acid and by barium- and calcium- 

 hydrates. Solutions of hsematoporphyrin, even if extraordinarily 

 dilute, exhibit a magnificent red fluorescence (Gamgee). 1 The alco- 

 holic solution possesses a beautiful red colour, which on the addition 

 of alkalies becomes more yellow, while by acids it is converted into a 

 violet colour. 



In neutral alcoholic solutions hsematoporphyrin shows five bands, 

 according to Garrod 2 and Schulz : 3 



I. a A625-A617 

 II. /3 A605-A599 



!1. A573-A568 

 2. A566-A562 

 3. A558-A555 

 IV. 8 A543-A525 

 Y. e A5H-A486 



The Figs. I.-Y. on this and the next page show what bands 

 correspond with one another, according to Schulz. 



Schulz, for an alcoholic solution containing 1 per cent of H 2 S0 4 , 

 gives the following bands : 



I. a A600-A588 



III. ft* A580-A539- 



\2 + 3. A564-A539 



IY. y Absorption from A539-A505J 1 ' A53 - A525 



[2. A518-A506 



In alcoholic solutions containing 20 per cent of a 25 per cent 

 watery solution of ammonia Schulz saw four bands : 



1 A. Gamgee, Schdfer's Textbook of Phy trial. 1. 259 (1898). 

 2 Garrod, Journ. of Physiol. 13. 598 (1892), and 15. 108 (1894). 

 3 Schulz, Arch.f. (Anat. u.) Physiol. 1904, Suppl. 270. 



