Reactive polymers. LII. Periodate oxidation of poly(2,3‐epoxypropyl methacrylate) bound onto porous glass

Abstract

AbstractPoly(2,3‐epoxypropyl methacrylate) bound on porous glass was subjected to periodate oxidation during which epoxy groups on the polymer were transformed into aldehyde groups. By comparing the oxidation power of potassium periodate and periodic acid, it was found that a higher degree of conversion can be attained by oxidation with an aqueous solution of periodic acid. The degree of oxidation depends on reaction time, temperature, concentration of the oxidizing agent and on the volume of the oxidizing solution. Conditions leading to the highest content of aldehydes in the product were determined. The high reaction temperature and concentration of the oxidizing agent cause overoxidation to carboxylic groups with simultancous release of molecular iodine. Oxidation of the starting material, hydrolyzed in advance with sulfuric acid, does not lead to a higher degree of oxidation, because the polymer content decreases during the hydrolysis. The resulting material can be used as a special reactive carrier, e.g., in the immobilization of enzymes.