Betaine

BETAINE, Betaine, trimethylglycocoll, is found in many plants, and has also been found in crabs and some mollusks; it crystallizes from strong alcohol in the form of large, shiny, deliquescent crystals with a sweet, refreshing taste; it is readily soluble in water and alcohol, and insoluble in ether. It is non-toxic. In medicine, only the following preparations of betaine are used: the hydrochloric acid salt of betaine—acidol (see) and acidolamin, consisting of acidol and urotropin.

BETA ((β)-RAYS, more correctly streams of beta-particles (β-particles). They are emitted by radioactive substances during their decay [along with α-particles; see Alpha (α)-rays]. They are negatively charged particles—electrons flying at tremendous speeds. The charge of each such particle is equal to 4.77·10^-10 absolute electrostatic units (CGS E). Their flight speed approaches the speed of light (3·10¹⁰ cm/sec). It is remarkable that at such high speeds one cannot speak of any definite mass of the particle: this mass depends on the flight speed. If the latter is designated by v, and the speed of light by c, then for the mass of the β-particle the following expression is obtained: m = m₀ / √(1 - v²/c²).

From this it follows that at low speeds the mass of the β-particle is equal to 0.899·10^-27 g (the mass of an electron at rest or slow motion). Conversely, at a speed equal to the speed of light, the mass becomes equal to infinity. This is explained by the electromagnetic origin of the electron's mass: its mass is determined by the magnetic field that it creates during its motion; but the magnetic field itself, in turn, depends on the distribution in space of the electric field caused by the electron's electric charge. And this latter, as one must assume, is deformed during the motion of the electron—and the more strongly, the greater the speed. In their physical properties, β-particles resemble cathode rays, from which they differ only by a significantly greater speed. Therefore, they can penetrate through thicker layers of matter. Passing through a given material body, β-particles are scattered due to collisions with molecules. Some researchers have managed to photograph their paths in gases and trace the breaks in these paths.

V. Shuleykin. BETA (β)-NAPHTHOL, isonaphthol, naphthol, Beta-naphtholum, C₁₀H₇OH (Ph. VII), small white leaflets with a pearly luster or a white powder with a faint phenolic odor, burning taste, soluble in 1,000 parts of cold and 75 parts of boiling water, readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, fatty and essential oils, in alkalis and ammonia; relatively easily sublimed; melting point 122–123°. It acts antiseptically and parasitotropically. Its vapors and solutions irritate mucous membranes, cause redness and inflammation on the skin; it is rapidly absorbed by mucous membranes and the skin (poisoning has also been observed with external use); it is excreted through the kidneys, coloring the urine an olive-green color and frequently causing inflammation of the kidneys. Therapeutic use: for various skin diseases (psoriasis, sycosis, scabies, etc.), in 1–5% alcohol solutions and 1–10% ointments; for ozena, solutions of beta-naphthol are used for nasal rinsing. When prescribing beta-naphthol, it is necessary to monitor the patient's urine (checking for protein). Symptoms of poisoning: salivation, protein and blood in the urine, vomiting, loss of consciousness, convulsions, and finally, paralysis of the central nervous system.