Studies on Phytin: I. The Inositol Phosphates

Using as reference compounds inositol phosphoric esters of high purity, and using paper chromatography for separation, the presence has been shown in barley (in addition to phytic acid) of the tetra- and tri-phosphorlc esters; malt has been shown to contain additionally the di-phosphoric ester. Tetra-, tri-, di- and monoesters have been found in aqueous autolysates of barley meal, but the rate of production of the lower esters is limited by the slow rate at which phytic acid itself becomes available for degradation.