Catalyst and base-free, direct oxidation of chitin to lactic acid with hydrogen peroxide

Abstract In recent years, the research on the conversion of chitin to high value-added chemicals has attracted more and more attention. At present, the method of preparing lactic acid from chitin mostly uses strong base or catalyst. These reaction systems have disadvantages such as corrosion of containers and harm to human body. Herein, a simple and effective method to convert chitin to organic acids in catalyst and base-free conditions is developed. The use of H₂O₂ only can efficiently convert chitin to organic acids in the absence of bases and catalysts. Under the optimal conditions of 30 mg chitin, 2.1 mL water, 0.9 mL H₂O₂ at 230 oC for 1.5 h, the lactic acid yield of chitin can reach 58.2% and the total organic acid yield can reach 84.0%. This work provides an efficient method for the resource utilization of chitin biomass.