Unicomplex systems

Three types of ions are known cations, anions and amphoions. If the complex relations are present between ions of only one type — and these are then necessarily amphoions — we speak of unicomplex systems if they are present between two types of ions — cations and anions — then we call them dicomplex systems if on the other hand the complex relations are present between three types of ions at the same time... 

The complex relations, which occur in the scheme for the unicomplex systems, are mutually equal, as also those occurring in the scheme for the dicomplex systems. 

Compare Fig. 51 in which this is expressed formally as a reaction equation. We can leave aside the question whether the complex relations a of the unicomplex system, as also those b of the dicomplex system are sufficiently intense to make these systems capable of a separate existence — what is meant is a distinct separated phase next to an equilibrium liquid. 

After the dicomplex systems the unicomplex ones will be cursorily discussed and finally we shall deal with the tricomplex systems. 

It may also be remarked that in the unicomplex and tricomplex systems a protein is not active with the excess of the one kind of charge over the other but with them what matters is the electric multipole character of the protein. A too large excess is with them even a hinderence for the occurrence of the systems in question. 

Fig. 50. Schemes for the unicomplex (a), dicomplex (b) and tricomplex (c) systems (see text).

In the tricomplex system besides b there occur two other complex relations c and d and it is thereby clear that as regards the question whether in a given case a tricomplex system will be produced or not, it will now depend on the intensity of the complex relations in the tricomplex system compared with those in the unicomplex and dicomplex systems together. 

Fig. 51. Formation of a tricomplex system from (or decomposition to) a unicomplex and a dicomplex...

Ifc-I-dtricomplex system would split up into a unicomplex 4- a dicomplex system. In this pne should bear in mind that the schematic pictures have only formal significance and merely depict the complex relations between four charges while in reality these patterns ought to be applied to the actually existing charge distribution in these systems, for example, to a linear arrangement along the kinked macromolecule distributed in space. 

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