ABSTRACT
In 2004, D-Glucaric acid (GA) was identified as one of the top value-added chemicals from renewable feedstocks. For this study, a patented synthetic method was used to obtain gel forming polymers through the polycondensation of GA and several aliphatic diamines. The first time characterization and a potential practical application of such hydrogels is reported herein. Our findings indicate that the physical properties and gelling abilities of these materials correlate with the chemical structure of the precursor diamines used for polymerization. The hydrogels appear to have nanoparticulate nature, form via aggregation, are thermoresponsive, and appear suitable as controlled release systems for small molecules. Overall, this study further highlights the versatility of GA as a building block for the synthesis of sustainable materials, with potential for a wide array of applications.
ABSTRACT
The nitric acid oxidation of D-glucose was reinvestigated in an effort to better understand and improve the oxidation and subsequent work up steps. The oxidation was carried out using a computer controlled reactor employing a closed reaction flask under an atmosphere of oxygen which allowed for a catalytic oxidation process with oxygen as the terminal oxidant. Removal of nitric acid from product included the use of both diffusion dialysis and nanofiltration methodologies. Product analysis protocols were developed using ion chromatography.
