METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARBOHYDRATE ANALYSIS

摘要

A method for analyzing carbohydrates involves solvolyzing the carbohydrate in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Solvolysis is terminated by the introduction of a carboxylic acid anhydride to the solvolyzed carbohydrate and hydrogen fluoride reaction mixture, resulting in the formation of acetic acid and acetic acid acyl fluoride. The acetic acid acyl fluoride reacts with hydroxyl groups on the solvolyzed carbohydrate to form peracylated carbohydrates. The resulting peracylated carbohydrates are dried to remove the solvent by-products, and can then be separated by gas chromatography. The gas chromatography eluents are then identified using mass spectrometry. An apparatus for automatically carrying out the solvolysis and carboxylic acid anhydride termination and acetylization steps is also provided.