An investigation of the structure of periodate-oxidised dextran

Abstract The aldo-enol transition in periodate-oxidised dextrans has been studied by UV absorption spectroscopy and electrophoretic light-scattering. Absorption peaks at 267, 240, and 290 nm are attributed to aldehyde, enol, and enolate ion, respectively. The electrophoretic mobility of periodate-oxidised dextran appears to be proportional to the absorption at 290 nm, and the pH dependence of the ratio of the peaks at 240 and 290 nm follows a standard titration curve. These facts are in accord with the formation of enol and enolate ions.