OXIDATION STUDIES OF CARBOHYDRATES USING MOLECULAR-OXYGEN AND A BISMUTH-RUTHENIUM OXIDE CATALYST

The oxidation of trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol, methyl alpha-D-glucopyrano side and beta-cyclodextrin has been studied, using a heterogeneous oxi dation system in water at 50-75 degrees C. Molecular oxygen at 15-20 b ar was used as the oxidant, in combination with a bismuth-rich rutheni um pyrochlore oxide as the catalyst. Both oxidative cleavage of the vi cinal diols and oxidation of the primary hydroxyl groups occurred. HPL C and C-13 NMR were used to analyse the complex product mixtures. The oxidation method is successful for glycol cleavage iri small carbohydr ates but not for polysaccharides.