Improved infrared spectroscopic method for the analysis of degree of N-deacetylation of chitosan

Various infrared spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of degree of N-deacetylation of chitosan were evaluated for accuracy. A new method was proposed which involved development of a calibration curve using the absorbance intensities of the chitosan infrared spectrum at 1655 and 3450 cm(-1). The, degree of N-deacetylation of various chitosan samples was then determined by using the absorption ratios [A(1655)/A(3450)] in the equation of the calibration curve. This method yielded results which were superior to those of any of the previously reported infrared spectroscopic methods tested herein.