What is the chemical process called when hydroxide relaxers convert disulfide bonds into lanthionine bonds?

• A. Lanthionization
• B. Desulfation
• C. Hydro sulphation
• D. Sulfuration

Answer: (A)

Lanthionization is the process by which alkaline hydroxide relaxers convert disulfide bonds in hair keratin into lanthionine cross-links. In highly alkaline conditions, disulfide bonds are reduced to free thiols, and some of these thiols react to form thioether lanthionine bonds instead of simply reforming disulfides. This remodeling of cross-links helps maintain the relaxed structure after treatment. The other terms don’t describe this specific conversion to lanthionine cross-links.