Isomerization and epimerization of glucose and galactose in arginine solution and phosphate buffer under subcritical fluid conditions.

Reaction of glucose or galactose was performed in arginine solution or phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) using a batch reactor at 110°C. The yields of products, pH, and absorbances at 280 and 420 nm were measured during the reaction. Fructose, mannose, and allulose were formed from glucose; tagatose, talose, and sorbose were done from galactose. The reaction proceeded more rapidly in arginine solution than in phosphate buffer. In arginine solution, yields of fructose and tagatose were 20% and 16%, respectively, after 30-min reaction; in phosphate buffer, they were 14% and 10%, respectively. However, in both reaction media, the pH drop and increase in absorbances continued even after the yield became almost constant. The absorbance increased particularly in the latter half of the reaction due to formation of browning products. Therefore, to avoid browning, the reaction should be stopped as soon as possible after the yield approaches its maximum value.