Method for the reductive amination of polysaccharides

A method of reductive amination of polysaccharides that comprises:

• (i) subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a polysaccharide, an amino compound and a reducing agent, to microwave radiation for a period of time sufficient to aminate the polysaccharide;
• (ii) (a) subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a polysaccharide and an amino compound to microwave radiation for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of an imine compound, (b) adding a reducing agent to the reaction mixture obtained in (a) so that the polysaccharide is aminated;
• (iii) (a) adding an amino compound to a polysaccharide so that an imine compound is formed, (b) adding a reducing agent to the reaction mixture obtained in (a) and, (c) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in (b) to microwave radiation for a period of time sufficient to aminate the polysaccharide;
• or
• (iv) (a) subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a polysaccharide and an amino compound to microwave radiation for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of an imine compound, (b) adding a reducing agent to the reaction mixture obtained in (a) and, (c) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in (b) to microwave radiation for a period of time sufficient to aminate the polysaccharide.