Up to present, quantitative information on the kinetics of depolymerization of pectin is limited. Moreover, to our knowledge the influence of methoxylation pattern on depolymerization rates has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this research was to quantify the influence of temperature, pH, degree and pattern of methoxylation on depolymerization rates (β-elimination and acid hydrolysis) of pectin. Since simultaneous chemical demethoxylation can occur and can influence the depolymerization rates, this reaction was assayed as well