The ultraviolet absorption spectra which are produced in alkaline solutions of some of the simple sugars have been measured. Investigation of these spectra shows that they are not due to the presence of reductone or pyruvaldehyde, as has previously been supposed. The chromogen responsible for the spectra, which was isolated by partition chromatography, is also responsible for the brown color which develops in alkaline sugar solutions. It is suggested that this chromogen is the result of condensation of compounds produced by the fragmentation of sugars in alkaline solution.

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