Additive effects of acetic acid upon hydrothermal reaction of amylopectin

It is well known that over 0.8 kg kg−1 of starch is consisted of amylopectin (AP). In this study, production of glucose for raw material of ethanol by hydrothermal reaction of AP as one of the model compound of food is discussed. Further, additive effects of acetic acid upon hydrothermal reactions of AP are also investigated. During hydrothermal reaction of AP, production of glucose occurred above 453 K, and the glucose yield increased to 0.48 kg kg−1 at 473 K. Upon hydrothermal reaction of AP at 473 K, prolongation of the holding time was not effective for the increase of the glucose yield. Upon hydrothermal reaction of AP at 473 K for 0 s, the glucose yield increased significantly by addition between 0.26 mol L−1 and 0.52 mol L−1 of acetic acid. However, the glucose yield decreased and the yield of the other constituents increased with the increases of concentration of acetic acid from 0.65 mol L−1 to 3.33 mol L−1. It was considered that hydrolysis of AP to yield glucose was enhanced due to the increase of the amount of proton derived from acetic acid during hydrothermal reaction with 0.52 mol L−1 of acetic acid.

► Glucose production by hydrothermal reaction of amylopectin (AP) at 473 K.
► Glucose yield increased to 0.48 kg kg-1 at 473 K.
►  Prolongation of holding time was not effective for glucose yield.
► Glucose yield increased significantly by acetic acid (0.26–0.52 mol l-1) addition.
► Hydrolysis of AP to glucose was enhanced due to increase of proton from acetic acid.