A facile method of functional derivatization based on starch acetoacetate

In the present work, we constructed a methodology to graft starch with special groups, such as alkyl, phenolic, naphthalimide derivatives (ND) and polymer, by a simple reaction under generally mild conditions without catalysts or UV irradiation, based on precursor starch acetoacetate (SAA). The completeness of these reactions has been proved to be ideal. After grafting, the starch derivatives have some common changes, for instance, their solubility is improved in certain solvents. On the other hand, the introduction of different functional groups will also bring some characteristics to the derivatives (e.g. ND brings fluorescence). In addition, part of the derivatives shows excellent machinability, and their hot-pressed samples exhibit great transparency and mechanical strength. Specially, the alkyl grafted starch displays excellent toughness, properties of deformation and self-recovery. In conclusion, this method has good universality and methodological significance, and offers insights into the larger-scale industrial application of starch.