Carboxylmethylierung

Carboxylmethylierung, also known as carboxymethylation, is a chemical modification process in which a carboxymethyl group (-CH2-COOH) is introduced into a molecule, typically a polymer or biomolecule. This reaction is commonly used in biochemistry and industrial applications to alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the target compound.

The process generally involves the reaction of the molecule with monochloroacetic acid or its sodium salt under alkaline conditions. The hydroxyl groups (–OH) present on hydroxyl-containing compounds such as cellulose, chitosan, or proteins serve as nucleophilic sites that attack the electrophilic carbon of the chloroacetic acid, resulting in the formation of a covalent bond and the addition of the carboxymethyl group. This modification increases solubility, viscosity, and reactivity, which can be advantageous for various applications.

Carboxymethylation is widely employed to produce derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a viscous, water-soluble polymer used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In bioconjugation, it enhances the functional properties of biomolecules, facilitating improved delivery and stability in medical formulations.

This chemical modification can influence the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the material, making it valuable in biomedical engineering. However, the reaction conditions must be carefully controlled to prevent side reactions or degradation of the target molecules.

Overall, carboxylmethylierung is a versatile technique to modify and improve the functionality of natural and synthetic polymers, with broad implications across scientific, industrial, and medical fields.