Synthesis and characterisation of dextran and pullulan sulphate

Dextrans and pullulans of different molar masses in the range of 10(4)-10(5 ) g/mol were sulphated via a SO3-pyridine complex. The degree of substituti on achieved was DS = 2.4 and DS = 1.4 for dextran sulphate and DS = 2.0 and DS = 1.4 for pullulan sulphate, respectively. Confirmation of sulphation w as given by FTIR spectroscopy. Asymmetrical S=O and symmetrical C-O-S stret ching vibrations were detected at 1260 and 820 cm(-1). Reactivity of the po lysaccharide C-atoms was determined by C-13 NMR spectroscopy: For dextran t his was C-3 > C-2 > C-4, while for pullulan it was C-6 > C-3 > C-2 > C-4. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.