D-Xylose is nearly odorless and has a smoky flavor. This compound is an aldopentose monosaccharide.
D-Xylose is used in diagnostic malabsorption tests as well as in the production of Furfural.
In tanning, dyeing, and as a diabetic food.
sweetener, pharmaceutical intermediate
A SUGAR that has five
carbon atoms in its molecules.
ChEBI: The pyranose form of D-xylose.
Xylose is a five-carbon sugar that contributes to lignocellulose in plants. Xylose is predominantly found in hardwoods and agricultural residues.
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.
-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].
