Chitin Deacetylation Using Deep Eutectic Solvents: Ab Initio-Supported Process Optimization.

ABSTRACT: Chitin is the most abundant marine biopolymer, being recovered during the shell biorefining of crustacean shell waste. In its native form, chitin displays a poor reactivity and solubility in most solvents due to its extensive hydrogen bonding. This can be overcome by deacetylation. However, this process requires a high concentration of acids or bases at high temperatures, forming large amounts of toxic waste. Herein, we report on the first deacetylation with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an environmentally friendly alternative, requiring only mild reaction conditions. Biocompatible DESs are efficient in disturbing the native hydrogen-bonding network of chitin, readily dissolving it. First, quantum chemical calculations have been performed to evaluate the feasibility of different DESs to

SUBMITTER: Vicente FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8025712 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature