Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Tributyrin

Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics

Also known as: Glyceryl tributyrate, Butyrin

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

This article defines tributyrin as a triglyceride of butyric acid, noting its physical properties such as density, refractive index, and boiling point. It also describes its use in the stalagmometric method for determining lipase activity and its slow decomposition by ricinase.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

TRIBUTYRIN, (C3H7COO)3C3H5, a triglyceride of butyric acid, is a colorless liquid with a bitter taste; d16 = 1.038, nD = 1.436, b.p. 195–196°, saponification value 557.3. Tributyrin belongs to substances that strongly lower the surface tension of water and is used in the stalagmometric method for the determination of lipase. It is decomposed slowly by ricinase.

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Cite this page

“Tributyrin.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/tributyrin/