Complexes of Alkali Metals and Alkaline-Earth Metals with Carbohydrates

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses presentation on the complexes of metal salts that will be largely restricted to salts having univalent anions. Complexes containing nonmetallic cations, such as quaternary ammonium ions, are mentioned only when such information is believed relevant to the discussion of the complexes of alkali metals and alkaline-earth metals. The terms “adduct” and “addition compound” are synonymous and describe those complexes that consist of carbohydrate and metal salt (or base) bound together by ion–dipole forces of attraction. Differences in electrophoretic mobility of carbohydrates in the presence of a salt can be used to separate mixtures on a small scale and assists in identifying a carbohydrate. The ability of metal salts to complex selectively with polyhydroxy compounds are the basis of certain separations of carbohydrates by column chromatography. The effect of dietary atom, especially sugars and amino acids, on the gastrointestinal absorption of calcium and other alkaline-earth metals is well documented.