Chitosan was crosslinked to varying extents with bis(vinylsulfonyl)are
nes as crosslinking agents in homogeneous solution. The effect of reac
tion conditions on the onset of gelation was investigated. The rate of
gelation was shown to depend on the chitosan concentration and the st
ructure of the crosslinking agent used. The degree of crosslinking and
content of the remaining pendant double bonds were evaluated. The obt
ained chitosan gels swell both in organic solvents and in acidic aqueo
us solutions.