Hydrolysis Rate of Insoluble Glucose-Polymer in Dilute Sulfuric Acid

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to investigate the hydrolysis rate of insoluble glucose-polymer regenerated when adequate water is added to cellulose dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid. It has been found that the hydrolysis of this substance is of the first-order in sulfuric acid concentrations ranging from 5 to 40%, at the temperature range of 115 to 147°C. The reaction constant is represented as a function of sulfuric acid concentration (C %) and temperature (T°K) by the following empirical equation:
k=6.44×10¹⁰C^1.44exp{-25400/(RT)}.
The hydrolysis rate of insoluble glucose-polymer is not so large in comparison of that of cellulose.