Synthesis and characterization of N-propyl-N-methylene phosphonic chitosan derivative

A simple methodology for the preparation of a new chitosan derivative called N-propyl-N-methylene phosphonic chitosan (PNMPC) is proposed. Introduction of a propyl chain onto a modified chitosan (N-methylene phosphonic chitosan) offers the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic branches for controlling solubility properties of the new derivative. Its chemical identity was determined by FT-IR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The degree of propyl substitution estimated by elemental analysis was 0.64. Furthermore derivative molecular weight is about 60 × 103, X-ray diffraction and SEM showed certain degree of crystallinity and homogeneous surface with a rather packed structure. This derivative opens new perspectives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.