The pectic substances may play a significant role in some biological processes. In a previous paper by the author (I) the properties ancl composition of beet pectin were discussed. It is a well known fact that the molecule of all pectin substances is formed by galacturonic acicl units linkecl together in long cha-ins. To these chains other groups (methoxyl groups, acetyl, etc.) are attached. The occurcnce of acetyl groups is consiclered toclay as charaderistic of beet pectin. The exact nature of thc linkages between these grottps ancl thc main chains is sti11 unknO'wn. fhis fact. aimed thc author to realize the present work. ln my experirnents the removal of the acctyl groups in alkaline solu­tion has been studiecl. The conditions of pH and tcmperature have been rhosen to he thc most suitable at which thc reaction could be followed. The ohtaincd results might be a demostration of · the existence of two different kinds of linkages betv.,reen the acetyl groups and the rest of the molecule.

12 Pags.- Figs.- Tabls. Accésit al Premio de la Real Academia de Farmacia (1957).

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