Isomerization of lactose catalyzed by alkaline-substituted sepiolites

Strong base catalysts, prepared by substituting a part of the Mg2+ located at the borders of the channels of sepiolite with alkaline ions (Li+, Na+, K + and Cs+), were investigated as catalysts for the isomerization of lactose to lactulose and epilactose. The activities exhibited by alkaline-exchange d sepiolites were significantly higher than that of natural sepiolite. The influence of temperature, time of the reaction and catalyst loading were al so evaluated. A 20% conversion was obtained at 90 degrees C at a catalyst l oading of 15 g litre(-1). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.