Expedient synthesis and properties of 6-deoxy-6-amino chitosan.

•The introduction of an amine at the C-6 position of chitosan provides a water-soluble chitosan derivative, 6-deoxy-6-amino chitosan.•The solubility of 6-deoxy-6-amino chitosan in water is advantageous and opens many different avenues of application.•A greener, shorter and scalable synthetic pathway was developed replacing the prior use of hazardous solvents.•A model study on the glucosamine monomer was utilised for process development of the biopolymer.•An innovative synthetic means of introducing an amine at C-6 position of 6-deoxy-6-amino chitosan and chitin.•The antimicrobial properties of 6-deoxy-6-amino chitosan were similar to material from prior synthetic routes.