CONTEXT

The oxidation of polysaccharides by nitrogen dioxide (NO₂/N₂O₄) as oxidizing agent is a well known reaction. The use of NO2 gas has, however, proved to be tricky resulting in particular in heterogeneities. Various methods of oxidation in organic solvents medium have therefore been proposed using as solvent, carbone tetra chloride, freons, perfluoro solvents, hydrofluoroethers... The use of halogenated solvents represents, however a risk to the environment and for numerous application in particular in the medical field, it is imperative to have products that are oxidised homogeneously.