Highly selective tempo mediated oxidation of primary alcohol groups in polysaccharides

Abstract A method for the selective oxidation of the primary hydroxyl functions of polysaccharides is described. The oxidation is mediated by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) and hypobromite is used as the regenerating oxidant. At pH 10.5–11 a selectivity of 98% for cold water soluble potato starch and >90% for dahlia inulin was found.