Oxidation of primary alcohol groups of naturally occurring polysaccharides with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine oxoammonium ion

The primary alcohol groups of ten polysaccharides, with widely different structures and water solubilities, were oxidized to carboxyl groups using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine oxoammonium ion (TEMPO) at pH 10.8 and 0 degrees C. The yield and selectivity for the primary alcohol group were high for all ten of the polysaccharides. The oxidation greatly increased the water-solubility of the polysaccharides. Water-insoluble polysaccharides such as amylose, cellulose, and chitin became water-soluble to the extent of approximately 10% (w/v). The water-soluble polysaccharides had their degree of solubility doubled or tripled. The specific optical rotation, viscosity, and gelling properties with calcium ion were determined. The oxidized polysaccharides are new anionic polymers with unique structures that could have application as gums, gels, and films.