Abstract
Data on the chemistry of saccharinic acids are examined and described systematically. The alkaline degradation of mono-, oligo- and poly-saccharides is discussed, much attention being devoted to the conditions which influence the course of the reaction. It is shown that the nature of the alkali metal cation, the pH of the medium, temperature, and the structure of the carbohydrate play an important role. Data concerning the stabilisation of polysaccharides in alkali are described in detail. The problem of the applications of saccharinic acids is examined.
The bibliography includes 254 references.