Interactions of starch with salts of metals from the transition groups

Interpretation of EPR spectra of combinations of gelatinized one of amylopectin, cornstarch, waxy cornstarch, and potato starch with one of Co (II), Cr (III), Cu (II), Fe (III), and Mn (II) produced evidence for the formation of the Werner-type complexes with metal central atom and polysaccharide as the ligand. Ligation of the central atom involved lone electron pairs of the polysaccharide hydroxyl groups. Results of complexation depended on metal cation and polysaccharide as well as a form in which it was examined. Formation of complexes with granular starch was additionally confirmed by appearance of starch granules soaked in aqueous salt solutions in scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.