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Cyclization of the chloroacetyl derivative was effected by dissolving it (5-36 g.) in hot ethanol (50 ml.) and diluting with water (140 ml.). When the solution became clear again, NaOH (115 g.) in water (10 ml.) was added, and a yellow colour developed owing to partial hydrolysis. The solution was refluxed for 30 min. and acidified with HCI while still hot. On cooling, colourless, chlorine-free, prismatic needles separated and were collected (4.3 g., 72% overall yield, m.p. 240-242°). Crystallization from ethanol gave synthetic viridicatin, m.p. 264-265', not depressed on admixture with natural viridicatin from P. cydopium.

K.-B. AUGUSTINSSON AND B. OLSSON I959 10. The implications of these observations are discussed. This investigation has been supported by grants from the Swedish Natural Science Research Council (K.-B.A.) and from the Royal Veterinary College (B. 0.). The skilled technical assistance of Mrs G. Jonsson and Miss C. Leodor at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry is gratefully acknowledged.

Analyses were carried out on the main morphological parts of grain of Triticum.vulgare and of T. durum during development from a 'few days after flowering to maturity. The low molecular weight constituents (non-protein nitrogenous com. pounds, sucrose, reducing sugars, and .x-keto acids) decreased in concentration but the amounts per grain remained relatively constant during development. However. the macromolecular materials (starch, pentosans, and protein) increased in concentration and in amount per grain. Metabolism of developing endosperm is discussed in relation to these observations.

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