Hydrolysis of Wool in Strong Base
Description: The protein bound in wool is hydrolyzed by boiling in sodium hydroxide solution. Human hair also works.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Keywords: Wool, Hydrolysis, Sodium Hydroxide, Protein, Heat
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Acute aquatic toxicity hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Burn hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Corrosive to metals
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Clear contrast between systems behavior
- Time to results is high
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of toxic chemicals
- Some concerted manipulations
- Experiments at non-standard conditions
- Use of strong base
- Simple procedures
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Avoid exposure to droplets, mists, or vapors
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Biochemistry, Acids and Bases
Division: General
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