The alkaline degradation of cellobiose to glucose and fructose

The alkaline degradation of cellobiose by 0.01 to 0.1N NaOH at temperatures between 60 and 85°C was studied. At the same time the formation of glucose and fructose was analyzed. At lower alkali concentrations, the production of acidic compounds lowered thepH to such an extent that the hydrolyzing reaction ceased within a relatively short time. At higher alkali concentrations thepH change is much smaller and first order reaction rates of the cellobiose degradation were obtained. Through the application of a simplified reaction mechanism the consecutive reactions of the glucose and fructose formation were evaluated mathematically.Dedicated to Prof. Dr.H. Tuppy on the occasion of his 60th birthday.