L-Rhamnose has no odor, but has a very sweet taste.
White crystals. For
equilibrium mixture optical rotation is +9.18
degrees. Very soluble in water and in methanol;
soluble in absolute alcohol.
Synthetic sweetener research.
ChEBI: The acyclic form of L-rhamnose.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Crystallise the rhamnose from H2O or EtOH. It crystallises easily as the monohydrate by evaporating a solution in MeOH (90%) and H2O (10%). It is also purified by dissolving in a small volume of EtOH, adding a few drops of H2O and cooling. 1H NMR in D2O at 44o contains 60% -pyranose and 40% -pyranose forms [Angyal Adv Carbohydr Chem 42 15 1984.] [Smith J Chem Soc 1035 1940, McGeachin & Beevers Acta Cryst 10 227,230 197, Beilstein 1 IV 4261.]
