Lactone formation of N-acetylneuraminic acid oligomers and polymers as examined by capillary electrophoresis

We examined lactone-formation reaction of oligomers and polymers of N-acety lneuraminic acid in diluted hydrochloric acid solution and found that the t ime course of the lactonization reaction was easily traced by capillary ele ctrophoresis. The reaction proceeded more rapidly with increasing the molec ular mass of oligomers because the conformation of inner units became rigid and more favorable for the formation of lactone linkage. Present results o btained using capillary electrophoresis will be useful in understanding of physical and chemical properties of oligo/polysialic acids.