Synthesis and NMR structural analysis of O-succinyl derivative of low-molecular-weight κ-carrageenan

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) κ-carrageenan was achieved through mild hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of κ-carrageenan. The acylation of LMW κ-carrageenan was performed by use of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salt of the anionic polysaccharide fragments, succinic anhydride, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and tributylamine under homogeneous conditions in N,N-dimethylformamide at 80 °C. Investigation of FT-IR spectrum of the succinylated LMW κ-carrageenan showed that a monoester derivative with succinyl group was formed when LMW κ-carrageenan reacted with succinic anhydride. The 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy has been used to characterize the fine structure of O-succinyl derivative of the LMW κ-carrageenan. The 13C and 1H NMR chemical shifts of disaccharide unit of O-succinyl LMW κ-carrageenan have been fully assigned using 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.