Comparison of calcium complexation of some carboxylic acids derived fromD­glucose andD-fructose

The aim of this work was to compare calcium sequestering behaviour of 11 carboxylic acids derived from carbohydrates, and to study the influence of molecular structure on the calcium complexation. For this purpose, various carboxylic acids derived from methyl D-glucopyranoside, methyl D-fructopyranoside, and methyl D-fructofuranoside were synthesized and studied using an ion selective electrode to determine calcium complex formation constants. Complexation sites of carbohydrate skeletons were determined using13C NMR. Keywords: Ca(II) complexation, carboxylic acids, fructofuranosides, fructopyranosides, glucopyranosides.

Microbial degradation of chelating agents used in detergents with special reference to nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)

The extensive use of phosphate-based detergents and agricultural fertilizers is one of the main causes of the world-wide eutrophication of rivers and lakes. To ameliorate such problems partial or total substitution of phosphates in laundry detergents by synthetic, non-phosphorus containing complexing agents is practiced in several countries. The physiological, biochemical and ecological aspects of the microbial degradation of the complexing agents most frequently used, such as polyphosphates, aminopolycarboxylates (especially of nitrilotriacetic acid), and phosphonates are reviewed.