| Abstract: | An effective separation of amylose from amylopectin in wheat and corn starches has been achieved by the novel use of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) as a dispersant prior to precipitation of the amylose as butanol complex. Amylopectin remaining in solution was recovered by precipitation with ethanol. Fractions were assayed colorimetrically for amylose using iodine. Various conditions for the optimal use of KSCN were evaluated, including the concentration required for gelatinisation of the starch, the concentration of starch and the ratio of KSCN to starch. Optimal results were obtained with amounts of KSCN equal to the weight of starch used. The process requires relatively few steps, is rapid and results in good yields of products which do not appear to be significantly degraded. |
