Optimization of reaction variables such as catalyst type and amount, reaction temperature and time, formaldehyde amount, and oxidation extent of starch was studied for the crosslinking reaction of chlorinated cornstarch with formaldehyde. The reaction was carried out in aqueous suspension dispersed granular chlorinated cornstarch. Catalysts such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid were individually evaluated. The results show that the type and amount of the inorganic acid, formaldehyde amount, and oxidation extent of the chlorinated starch strongly affect the reaction efficiency. Hydrochloric acid shows the best catalyst effect on the reaction. Increasing the amount of the catalyst favourably raises the reaction efficiency. It is also demonstrated that the reaction efficiency is enhanced with the decrease of the oxidation extent of granular chlorinated starch. Optimization of reaction variables such as catalyst type and amount, reaction temperature and time, formaldehyde amount, and oxidation extent of starch was studied for the crosslinking reaction of chlorinated cornstarch with formaldehyde. The reaction was carried out in aqueous suspension dispersed granular chlorinated cornstarch. Catalysts such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid were individually evaluated. The results show that the type and amount of the inorganic acid, formal amount, and oxidation extent of the chlorinated starch strongly affect the reaction efficiency. Hydrochloric acid shows the best catalyst effect on the reaction. Increasing the amount of the catalyst favourably raises the reaction efficiency. It is also demonstrated that the reaction efficiency is enhanced with the decrease of the oxidation extent of granular chlorinated starch.