In order to improve the yield, this type of pectin constituent (protopectin) is suggested to be hydrolysed by acid. Alkaline conditions were found by Knee38 and Jarvis et al 39 to break the bonds between the pectin molecule and the cell wall in a similar manner to acidic solvents. Knee38 and Jarvis et al.39 found that substantial amounts of pectin were extracted under alkaline conditions as compared with neutral conditions. Nevertheless, alkaline conditions cause instability in the backbone of pectin molecule (galacturonic acid) and consequently, the pectin molecule tends to decompose32. Due to the decomposition of pectin molecules, the extracted pectin cannot be precipitated with alcohol. Therefore, the recovery of the extracted pectin tends to be reduced under alkaline conditions. Thus low pH is
essential for higher yield that is not achievable at higher pH condition.