Preparation of O-(Aminopropyl)inulin

Inulin ethers carrying primary amino groups have many potential applications. O-(Aminopropyl)inulin is obtained from O-(cyanoethyl)inulin by reduction of the nitrile groups. Heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation using Raney-cobalt as the catalyst resulted in only partial conversion of the O-cyanoethyl into O-aminopropyl groups. Complete conversion of the nitriles to primary amines was achieved by a homogeneous reduction with an excess of sodium borohydride and cobaltous chloride or with metals in liquid ammonia-methanol. Optimal results were obtained with the latter method; 83% of the substituents were converted into primary amines and 17% were lost by dealkylation.