Reaction of gossypol with amino acids and other amino compounds

The reactions of gossypol with certain amino acids and other amino compounds have been studied spectroscopically with respect to the effect of time and pH in the range from 5.7 to 7.5 at 37 C. The rate of reaction of gossypol with amino acids increases with increase in pH and has been shown to be related to the distance of the amino group from the carboxyl group within the molecule. Reaction products of gossypol with amino acids and other amino compounds were subjected to various purification procedures and analysis to determine combination ratios. In addition to the expected gossypol‐to‐amino compound ratio of 1:2, dictated by the formation of Schiff base‐type bonds with the two aldehyde groups of gossypol, compounds with ratios of 1:3 and 1:4 were isolated. These results indicate that each of the two aldehyde groups of gossypol can react with two amino groups under the conditions studied.