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207
Hence a plot of log k as a function of pH should give a straight line with slope
+1.
Alginates are both degraded by acid (hydrolysis) and by alkaline
β
-elimination.
The rate of depolymerization has indeed been studied. A classical study was
published by Haug, Larsen and Smidsrød in 1963
41
:
Because of two different mechanisms operating at low and high pH, a
temperature optimum is obtained. In this case, the optimal stability (minimum
degradation rate) is found near neutral pH.
41
Haug et al. (12963) Acta Chem. Scand. 5, 1466-1468