TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The invention describes a new catalytic process for the clean modification of polysaccharides obtained from renewable cheap raw materials (starch, cellulose, cellulose esters and ethers, inulin, guar gum, etc.) by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. The conversion of polysaccharides is achieved via a one-pot process easy to scale up. The catalyst is cheap, available commercially and only minute amounts are required. The oxidation converts part of the alcohol functions to carboxylic and carbonyl functions whereby increasing the hydrophilic properties of the natural polysaccharides which make them suitable for various applications.