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Thermochemical conversion of polysaccharides in concentrated alkali to glycolic acid

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Abstract

Degradation of starch and cellulose in alkaline solutions above 8N NaOH favored the production of glycolic acid. In 16N NaOH, starch and cellulose degraded at 240°C to produce, respectively, 46 and 43% yields of glycolic acid. At these same conditions, 24 and 12% yields of oxalic acid were also produced from starch and cellulose. Raising the amount of starch or cellulose above 10 g in 250 mL 16 N NaOH lowered the percent yields of glycolic and oxalic acids, but increased absolute yields sufficiently to consider larger polysaccharide: 16 N NaOH ratios for commercial use. Substituting KOH for NaOH lowered glycolic and oxalic acid yields, and demonstrated the effect of the alkali cation on the conversion reactions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 94710, Albany, CA

    John M. Krochta, Sandra J. Tillin & Joyce S. Hudson

Authors
  1. John M. Krochta
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  2. Sandra J. Tillin
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  3. Joyce S. Hudson
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Krochta, J.M., Tillin, S.J. & Hudson, J.S. Thermochemical conversion of polysaccharides in concentrated alkali to glycolic acid. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 17, 23–32 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02779143

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