Abstract
In the course of studies aimed at finding a new selective cleavage method for the glucuronide linkage in glucuronide-saponins, an electrolytic oxidation reaction has been found to be useful as an initial reaction for the desired selective cleavage method. The new cleavage method comprises an anodic oxidation of glucuronide-saponin, by which the carboxyl function is converted to an acetoxyl moiety, and a subsequent alkali treatment. It has also been found that the anodic oxidation causes selective oxidation of axial hydroxyl groups and allylic oxidation in the sapogenol moiety.
