Taurine

Taurine, NH₂.CH₂.CH₂.SO₂.OH (aminoethyl-sulfonic acid), first obtained as a product of the breakdown of taurocholic acid of bile; found in the lungs and kidneys of ox, in blood and especially in large quantities in the muscles of cold-blooded animals. In vertebrates it is present in small amounts in the contents of the intestine. T. is formed in the organism apparently during the oxidation of cystine (cysteine). T. crystallizes in the form of colorless, brilliant four- or six-sided prisms or four-sided pyramids, often very large; dissolves in 15-16 parts of cold water, solubility in hot water and alkalis is greater, insoluble in absolute alcohol, ether, slightly soluble in cold, more easily in hot alcohol. Solutions are neutral to litmus. Is not precipitated by salts of heavy metals, but is precipitated by their oxides (sublimate with subsequent addition of barium water). Withstands heating to 240°. When heated with strong KOH gives acetic and sulfuric acids, under the influence of putrefactive microorganisms turns into thiosulfate. See also Bile.