α‐(1→4)‐D‐Glucans. Part XXII. The Iodine Staining Properties of Linear Maltosaccharides

Maltosaccharides of degree of polymerisation (DP) 6‐22 have been isolated in a chromatographically pure form, and their iodine staining properties studied under standard conditions. In the range DP 6 to DP 13, there is a logarithmic increase in the intensity of absorption of the iodine complexes; thereafter the relationship is almost linear. A plot of the reciprocals of wavelength of maximum absorption and DP indicates that there are three separate linear sections corresponding to DP 6–11, 12–18 and 18–22. Ammonium sulphate causes an increase in the intensity of absorption and wavelength of maximum absorption in all cases.