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edible Carbohydrates from formaldehyde

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Neuroprotection

Bluelighter
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Dear Bluelighters, the following is from an email and private message I tried to send to Limpit Chicken, but was prevented from doing so due to technical problems. In addition, I feel that it would be more beneficial if others chime. If this post brakes the rule regarding no synthesis topics, please let me no. note I did try to contact Limpit Chicken Privately but couldn't, a problem compounded by my blindness. Hear is the post:Hi
Given Many of your posts on Bluelight, I guess you are an expert or at least have greate knowledge of chemistary, as well as access to chemicals most people don't have. I am just wondering if you could answer a question I have had for a long time. The Formose reaction is the conversion of formaldehyde into Carbohydrates/sugars usually catylised by a base, and Calcium Ions. My knowledge of Chemistary is very minimal, possibly GCSE, but I think Formose is a polimarisation reaction. However, currently, scientists have struggled to manage the reaction to produce eddable carbohydrates, mainly due to toxic bi products including calcium derivatives of sugars. I have an idea, and though I doubt it will work, just want to know what the outcome would be anyway.
What would happen if one adds formaldehyde to dry methanol, in which is dissolved a small amount of Calcium Methoxide as catalyst, rather than the traditionaly used Ca(OH)2. My thinking though likely inaccurate, is that Calcium MethOxide will provide the basic conditions needed for the formose reaction without chemically reacting with the formed Carbohydrates.
Sorry for this long message and if the question is to complex or stupid.
Thanks
 
Hi there Neuro, sorry to say this is drifting a bit far into synthesis discussion and that I shall be closing the thread.

Stay safe,
CY
 
Calcium methoxide has a higher solubility than calcium hydroxide and as a result you'd see increased reaction of the Ca with the formed sugars.

mainly due to toxic bi products including calcium derivatives of sugars.

I don't think the calcium derivatives of sugars are the toxic part, I'd be more worried about all the glycolaldehyde and formate/methanol present.
 
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