Effects of metal ions on the formation of radicals and chain breaks in ultraviolet-radiated polyadenylic acid and collagen

The protective effect of certain metal ions on the ultraviolet radiolysis of polyadenylic acid and of lathyritic collagen in the dry state are investigated in the absence of air. For polyadenylic acid, both formation of stable radicals at room temperature and decrease in average molecular weight are slightly depressed in the presence of metal. For collagen, however, a lowering in radical concentration is difficult to discern while prevention of molecular weight decreases are definite when the metal salts are added