ON THE VIOLET-FLUORESCENT SUBSTANCE, PRODUCED BY EREMOTHECIUM ASHBYII

Abstract

It is confirmed by paper chromatography that the violet-fluorescent substance (V substance) produced by Eremothecium ashbyii is different from three 2-amino-4-hydroxy-pteridine derivatives, i.e. 6-methyl-, 7-methyl-, and 6-carboxylic acid. It is thermostable and photoresistant, especially on neutral to acid side. It is decomposed by oxidizing agents and becomes a non-fluorescent substance by reduction, which restores fluorescence by aeration, indicating it to be a reversible redox substance. The relationship between pH and fluorescence intensity, as well as absorption spectrum furnished an important basis for presuming its structure.