| abstract |
Metal oligo- or polygalacturonate complexes of formula (I) are new: (where Mz+ is Fe2+, Cu1+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cr3+, Mo5+, V4+ or Ni2+, or a combination thereof; n = 2-500). Cpds. (I) are sources of essential trace elements suitable for use as food additives and medicaments, e.g. for treating anaemia, diabetes and Mg deficiency. Cpds. (I) are prepd. by reacting the corresp. oligo- or poly-galacturonic acid (e.g., obtd. from pectin) with a Mz+ salt or Mz+ complex with a lower stability constant than (I). If the metal in the salt or complex is in a higher oxidn. state than Z, the prod. is reduced. A typical cpd. is ferrous decagalacturonate. In an example, this is prepd. from decagalacturonic acid and FeSO4. |