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The production of oxalic, citric, and gluconic acids from plantation molasses

Author

John A. Ruth, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1934

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

A. T. Bawden

Abstract

This research was undertaken for the purpose of developing a process for producing citric and gluconic acids from plantation molasses.

There is an evident need for such a process. At the present time, these acids are being produced by processes in which refined sugar is the principal raw material. If molasses could be used in place of refined sugar, the cost of raw materials would be reduced by approximately ninety percent. In addition, a waste product would be utilized.

The scope of this problem is very broad. Its solution will involve the solving of many problems of widely varying natures. In this work it is the aim of the writer to survey the entire field, touching lightly on each of its various phases, rather than to attempt to work out the complete solution of any particular phase of the problem. Since this is the initial research such a course of action seems prudent. It would be useless to solve one phase of the problem without making certain that some other one does not present a serious barrier to the process as a whole. Also, it is only by doing this survey work that the relative importance of the various problems can be determined.

In order that he may be acquainted with the economic aspects of the problem, the reader should have some knowledge of the uses of the acids to be produced. The uses of citric acid are well known and need not be discussed here. Gluconic acid, however, has only recently become of any commercial importance. A brief discussion of some of its possible uses will be in order.

Many of the uses of gluconic acid are based on its ability to form inner anhydrides, known as lactones, which will regenerate gluconic acid when dissolved in water. The rate of formation of the acid from the lactone may be controlled within certain limits by varying the conditions of temperature and concentration. This property makes it desirable to use gluconic lactone in fruit powders for jelly making, in baking powders, in the manufacture of cell concrete and insulating brick, and, in short, wherever the slow and controllable formation of an acid is wanted. Gluconates are used in the preparation of homogeneous pastes such as dentifrices. Calcium and magnesium gluconates are quite satisfactory polishing agents. The gluconate is the most satisfactory calcium salt for use in medicine, being assimilable, practically tasteless, and non-irritating to tissues. It may be administered by the mouth or by subcutaneous injection. A colloidal suspension of hydrated aluminum oxide in gluconic acid finds use in tanning, furnishing a white, flexible, and durable leather, which is not leached out or stiffened by prolonged treatment with hot water.

Pages

51

Recommended Citation

Ruth, John A.. (1934). The production of oxalic, citric, and gluconic acids from plantation molasses. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/322