Preparation of salts of galacturonic acid from beet pulp

Abstract

This investigation demonstrates that dried beet pulp can be hydrolyzed by a commercial pectic enzyme, and that calcium galacturonate, sodium calcium galacturonate, and sodium strontium galacturonate can be obtained r eadily from the hydrolyzate. The crystalline salts are obtained by neutralization of the hydrolyzate with suitable bases, followed by concentration. Samples of dried beet pulp gave calcium galacturonate, sodium calcium galacturonate, and sodium strontium galacturonate in yields corresponding to 105 g, 227 g, and 255 g/kg, respectively.It is also shown that sodium strontium galacturonate can be separated, at least in some cases, directly from silage drainage liquor. The occurrence of galacturonic acid in the drainage liquor suggests the possibility of developing a process in which hydrolysis is effected by organisms grown in beet pulp.

Preparation of sodium strontium galacturonate from citrus products

“…After the strontium carbonate had reacted, the solution was cooled, and 9.3 g of sodium bicarbonate was added. The solution was acidified with acetic acid, and filtered with the aid of a decoloriz- 3 The sample of pectin contained 84 percent of galacturonic acid by analysis. Alter the first day, the acidity of the mixture should be within the pH rauge 3.5 to 4.5.…”

“…In previous papers from this laboratory it has been shown that galacturonic acid can be separated directly from the hydrolyzates of pectic substances in the form of certain new salts, particularly calcium galacturonate, sodium calcium galacturonate and sodium strontium galacturonate [2]. Some of the studies on the preparation of galacturonic acid have been conducted on hydrolyzates of beet pulp [3] . In the course of the work it was found that sodium strontium galacturonate crystal-lizes from crude hydrolyzates in higher yield than the other aforementioned salts.…”

“…Hence the practicability of the direct utilization of the residues depends upon the cost of the enzyme in large quantities, a factor unknown at present. As mentioned in connection with the utilization of beet pulp [3], the culture media from molds grown for the production of penicillin or other substances may ulti mately provide an inexpensive source of pectic enzymes.…”