| Abstract: | Oxidation of unmodified corn starch in the presence of persulfates under different conditions has been studied. The method using silver catalyzed persulfate led to a grey colored oxidation product containing equal carbonyl but less carboxyl contents as compared to an industrial oxidized starch sample. Air-oxidation of starch in the presence of persulfate gave a colorless oxidation product possessing low carboxyl but high carbonyl contents. Irradiation, by ultraviolet light during this oxidation procedure had little effect on the degree of oxidation. Ammonium persulfate was found to be a better oxidant than potassium persulfate. |
