Quantitative Determination of Alpha and Beta Lactose in dried Milk and Dried Whey
Paul F. Sharp and
Hugo Doob, Jr.
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
ABSTRACT
A method is described for the determination of the amounts ofalpha and beta lactose in dried milk and whey, and also of thetotal amount of anhydrous lactose in these products.
A clear,colorless extract of the product is obtained quickly,usingan alcoholic solution of Hg Cl2 as protein precipitant,andnorrit as a decolorizing agent. The nitrate is polarizedassoon as possible and again after standing. The relative amountsof alpha and beta lactose are computed from the change in opticalrotation. Total lactose is calculated from the final (equilibrium)rotation and sample weight.
Alpha and beta lactose gave satisfactoryresults when analyzedby this method, as did also dried milkand whey, alone and withadditions of alpha and beta lactose.
The composition of the lactose in dried whey was shown torangefrom 90 per cent beta to 95 per cent alpha, on the anhydrousbasis.
Norrit adsorbs lactose from aqueous solution, the alphaformbeing adsorbed preferentially. Lactose is eluted from thenorritby 10 to 20 per cent alcohol.