Selective Synthesis of Oligosaccharides by Mechanochemical Hydrolysis of Chitin over a Carbon-Based Catalyst.

ABSTRACT: Oligosaccharides possess fascinating functions that are applicable in a variety of fields, such as agriculture. However, the selective synthesis of oligosaccharides, especially chitin-oligosaccharides, has remained a challenge. Chitin-oligosaccharides activate the plant immune system, enabling crops to withstand pathogens without harmful agrichemicals. Here, we demonstrate the conversion of chitin to chitin-oligosaccharides using a carbon catalyst with weak acid sites and mechanical milling. The catalyst produces chitin-oligosaccharides with up to 94 % selectivity in good yields. Monte-Carlo simulations indicate that our system preferentially hydrolyzes larger chitin molecules over oligomers, thus providing the desired high selectivity. This unique kinetics is in contrast to the fact that

SUBMITTER: Kobayashi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10099807 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature