AN IMPROVED KINETIC-MODEL FOR THE PERIODATE-OXIDATION OF STARCH

The kinetics of the periodate oxidation of starch to dialdehyde starch have been studied thoroughly based on a reliable high-performance liq uid chromatographic analysis. Investigation of the early stage of reac tion has revealed that it proceeds initially following second-order ki netics. Later on, however, the resulting second-order model deviates f rom the experimental data. In order to get a model for the course of t he total reaction, the kinetics have been approached from a different angle. Based on elementary kinetic principles, an appropriate model ha s been derived that can be used to simulate the oxidation process. An oxidation process performed semi-continuously has been modelled and co mpared with a batch process.