CROSS-LINKING OF COLLAGEN WITH DICARBOXYLIC-ACIDS

We have studied the crosslinking of collagen in sheepskin by treatment with N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide esters of dicarboxylic acids. The acyl ating agents are prepared from dicarboxylic acids including suberic (C -8), azelaic (C-9) and sebacic (C-10) acids. These agents are extremel y soluble in water and react readily with sheepskin, resulting in incr eases in shrinkage temperatures before chrome tanning. A description o f the synthesis of the acylating agents and a discussion of the physic al properties of the resulting leathers are presented.