NEWS phosphorus compounds, which in turn calls for sensitive and reliable methods for detecting and isolating various compounds. He applied several techniques to the problem: use of radioactive isotopes (P 3 2 ), application of neutron activation analysis (P 3 1 + n,y —» P 3 2 ), and electrochromatographic analysis. The first two methods are useful in detecting the phosphorus compounds and the last in isolating and identifying them. A continuous electrochromatography, or continuous-flow electrophoresis, method has been developed for proc
essing biological materials while main taining their physical, chemical, and biological integrity, Arthur Karler, Karler Laboratories, stated. The method has several advantages: in herently automatic, complexity and physical state of sample are not criti cal, particle size is not a limitation, losses and dilution may be avoided by adequate refrigeration and rapid proc essing, discrete fractionation is inherent, recycling is convenient, resolution is excellent, and put-through capacity is unlimited. Several other typical applications
SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS demands
MODERN
EQUIPMENT
The authentic engraving shown in this advertisement is typical of a chemistry laboratory in France in the late 1700's. For your free copy (IV χ 15") of this reproduction, write on your company letterhead stating your name and title.
This is a modern Metalab installation at Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster, Pa.
YOUR LABORATORY SHOULD PROVIDE FOR
EXPANSION!
The equipment used in the 18th century laboratory was adequate for its period. Today's laboratories must use superior equipment in order to achieve the high quality performance standard which is expected of them. Metalab laboratory equipment is made to exceed these standards, and to insure maximum adaptability for future progress. Let our Engineering Service plan your laboratory needs in order to realize an economical laboratory installation with the finest equipment. Our line is complete and includes such equipment as: Center Tables, Fume Hoods, Storage Cabinets, Nuclear Equipment, Sink Units, Specialized Laboratory Equipment, etc. For information and catalogs on the complete METALAB line of equipment, write to Dept. T. They will be sent to you promptly without obligation.
METALAB Equipment Company D I V I S I O N
O f
N O R B U T E
C O R P O R A T I O N
252 Duffy A v e . , Hicksville, L. I., New York For further information, circle number 42 A on Readers' Service Card, page 101 A
42
A
·
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
were outlined. C. M. Stevens, Argonne National Laboratory, for example, de scribed various separations by mass spectrometry, particularly isotopes. I t can be used with all substances that can be volatilized in vacuum. A special case, diffusion analysis of ions in gels was reported by Marvin Antelman, Monsanto Chemical Co. Various cations were resolved qualita tively in gelatin, poly (vinyl alcohol), and sodium alginate gels. A gradient centrifugation technique was discussed by J. F. Thompson, Ar gonne National Laboratory, particu larly with respect to isolating cyto plasmic particulates. This method per mits correlation of enzyme activities with particle size. Delicate separations by partition be tween immiscible solvents were dis cussed by C. R. Thompson, Western Regional Research Laboratory. This project related to isolation and identi fication of small amounts of biologi cally active constituents from plant and animal sources. These include carotenoids and plant estrogens. The method used was the Craig countercurrent distribution apparatus. Characterization of unknown mix tures or components and purification of substances may be accomplished by batchwise multiple liquid-liquid parti tion, D. F. Peppard, Argonne National Laboratory, reported. Paper chromatography is a powerful tool for discovering unknown com pounds isolated from natural sources. Spots which do not correspond to known compounds, however, may not be unknowns, Gunter Zweig, University of California, stated. Instead, they may be artifacts due to extraction, purification, and chromatographic pro cedures. Very often the multiple spots for a single compound are due to exist ence of various ionic species. There are remedial procedures to minimize artifact formation. The order of displacement of cation exchange resins is determined largely by the basicity of the solutes being chromatographed, D. L. Buchanan, Yale University, stated. Intermediate strength volatile or extractable bases may be used as "carriers" to eliminate mixed zones encountered in displace ment chromatography of amino acids. Volatile or extractable acids may be used in a similar manner as carriers on anion exchange resins. Symposium on Microbiological Techniques
The current status of the application of microbiological techniques to analysis was discussed in a half-day symposium. In describing enzymatic techniques
