Polysaccharides selective catalytic oxidation

Oxidation of polysaccharides is a far more attractive route to polycarboxylates, potentially cleaner and less cosdy than esterification. Selectivity at the 2,3-secondary hydroxyls and the 6-primary is possible. Total biodegradation with acceptable property balance has not yet been achieved. For the most part, oxidations have been with hypochlorite—periodate under alkaline conditions. In the 1990s, catalytic oxidation has appeared as a possibiUty, and chemical oxidations have also been developed that are specific for the 6-hydroxyl oxidation. 

In contrast to enzymatic or metal-catalyzed oxidation, the TEMPO-oxidation process is highly effective in the conversion of high molecular weight polysaccharides. Other advantages of this catalytic process are the high reaction rate and yield, the high selectivity, and little degradation of the polysaccharides [12]. 

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