Syntheses of the derivatives of chitin and chitosan, and their physicochemical properties

Derivatives (microcrystalline chitin, carboxymethylchitin, acetylchitin, N-acetylchitosan, ethylchitosan and chitosansulfate) of chitin and chitosan were synthesized, and the physicochemical properties of the derivatives were compared with those of chitin and chitosan. Carboxymethylchitin was soluble in water or acetic acid, whereas chitosan and ethylchitosan were soluble in acetic acid alone. The water binding capacity of N-acetylchitosan was two fold higher than that of chitin. Lipid binding capacity of carboxymethylchitin was the highest, holding 1800%, and that of chitin was the lowest, holding 511% among the derivatives. Carboxymethylchitin among the derivatives showed the highest emulsifying capacity, however chitin and chitosan didn't produce emulsions. Dye binding capacity of acetylchitin was the highest, holding 0.93 mg dye/g sample (Blue R-250) and 0.96 mg dye/g sample (Red No. 2). It was concluded that carboxymethylchitin is a good emulsifier and N-acetylchitosan, chitosansulfate and chitosan are suitable for use as dye absorbents.