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"Polywater" and sweat:similarities between the infrared spectra
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 15, 1971
Summary
The infrared spectrum of polywater closely matches sodium lactate, a component of sweat. Researchers propose that polywater
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- The unusual properties of "polywater" have been a subject of scientific inquiry.
- Previous analyses have yielded conflicting results regarding its composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical basis for the observed properties of "polywater".
- To determine if biological contamination could explain "polywater"'s characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze "polywater" samples.
- Chemical analysis of "polywater" samples was performed.
Main Results:
- The infrared spectrum of "polywater" showed a strong similarity to sodium lactate.
- Sodium lactate is the primary constituent of human sweat.
- Chemical analyses supported the presence of biological contaminants.
Conclusions:
- The properties attributed to "polywater" likely result from accidental biological contamination.
- This contamination explains the spectral similarities to sodium lactate and other observed characteristics.