Preparation of starch betainate: a novel cationic starch derivative

A novel cationic starch derivative was prepared by esterifying native potat o starch with anhydrous betaine. The reaction was performed on native potat o starch using betainyl chloride in refluxing 1,4-dioxane with pyridine as a nucleophilic catalyst. The product was characterized spectrometrically an d its molecular weight distribution was determined. Additionally, the appli cability of starch betainate for paper manufacturing was studied. The produ ct is considered to be environmentally more friendly than the traditional c ationic starch ethers currently in commercial use as it consists solely of natural and biodegradable products. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.