Synthesis of alkylated potato starch derivatives and their potential in the aqueous solubilization of benzo[a]pyrene

► Modified potato starch was synthesized by alkylation. ► The chemical structural characteristics were investigated by NMR and FTIR. ► The ether modified starches present a higher aqueous solubility. ► The alkyl succinic anhydrides starches present high capacity to desorb benzo[a]pyrene.