Oxidative degradation of D-glucose and D-fructose by peroxodisulphate

The study was carried out to analyse the oxidative degradation products formed from glucose or D-fructose refluxed with potassium peroxodisulphate either in aqueous solutions or in 0.3M NaOH. The products were converted into trimethysilylethers or trimethylsilylated oximes and analysed by GC/FID. The individual compounds were identified by GC/MS and by comparison of their GC retention time data with those of authentic compounds. In total, 29 compounds were identified in reaction mixtures of both sugars. Sugar and deoxysugar acids and their lactones, low molecular weight hydroxycarboxylic acids and some uloses and lower sugars were identified among the products. Reaction pathways leading to the formation of the identified products are outlined and discussed.