抄録
1. The oxidation of L-ascorbic acid in alkaline solution by hydro-gen peroxide accomplished the disappearance of acetoacetic acid, if the latter be present in the solution. Acetoacetic acid was oxidized very slowly by hydrogen peroxide in the absence of L-ascorbic acid, but the disappearance of acetoacetic acid was rapid even at room tem-perature when L-ascorbic acid was simulataneously oxidized.
2. The oxidation was promoted by L-ascorbic acid, but not by dehydroascorbic acid.
3. It has been inferred that L-ascorbic acid participates the oxida-tion in organism.
4. The rate of ketolytic action was increased with alkalinity, as well as with the amount of L-ascorbic acid, especially in the presence of Cu +. But the oxidation was inhibited when the amounts of L-as-corbic acid exceeded a definite molar concentration.
5. An illustration by Rosenfeld. “Acetoacetic acid is burned in the fire of glucose” will be applicable to this case: “Acetoacetic acid is burned in the fire of L-ascorbic acid.”
Sincere thanks are due to Prof. K. Kakinum a for his criticisms and advice, and to Assistant Prof. T. Takahashi for his constant stimulating help.
