Process for producing carboxypolysaccharide

摘要

In a process of producing a carboxypolysaccharide by oxidizing a polysaccharide in the presence of a ruthenium compound and an oxidizing agent, the expensive ruthenium is easily and efficiently recovered. Ruthenium dissolved in a reaction mixture after the oxidation of the polysaccharide is converted, after or without being subjected to a heat. treatment, to high oxidation sate, which is then recovered by the extraction with a water-insoluble organic solvent. The recovered ruthenium is reduced to low oxidation state and reused in a subsequent production of the carboxypolysaccharide.