Chemical Properties
white crystals or powder
Chemical Properties
D-Xylose is nearly odorless and has a smoky flavor. This compound is an aldopentose monosaccharide.
Uses
D-Xylose is used in diagnostic malabsorption tests as well as in the production of Furfural.
Uses
In tanning, dyeing, and as a diabetic food.
Uses
sweetener, pharmaceutical intermediate
Definition
A SUGAR that has five
carbon atoms in its molecules.
Definition
ChEBI: The pyranose form of D-xylose.
brand name
Xylo-Pfan (Savage).
General Description
Xylose is a five-carbon sugar that contributes to lignocellulose in plants. Xylose is predominantly found in hardwoods and agricultural residues.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Estimation of xylose in the urine after oral administration, is useful in diagnosing absorption of carbohydrates and malabsorption of non-pancreatic molecules. Xylose plays a significant role in the biologically conversion of plant biomass to fuels and chemicals.
Purification Methods
-D(+)-Xylose forms needles or prisms (which have a very sweet taste) by slow crystallisation from aqueous 80% EtOH or absolute EtOH, which are then dried at 60o in vacuo over P2O5. Store it in a vacuum desiccator over CaSO4. 1Gram dissolves in 0.8mL H2O. [Bragg & Hough J Chem Soc 4347 1957, Hudson & Yanovsky J Am Chem Soc 39 1029 1917, Monroe J Am Chem Soc 41 1002 1919, Beilstein 1 IV 4223.] In D2O at 31o, 1H NMR showed the following ratios: -pyranose (36.5), -pyranose (63), -furanose + -furanose (~1) [Angyal Adv Carbohydr Chem 42 15 1984, Angyal & Pickles Aust J Chem 25 1711 1972].
