Wood sugar

Wood sugar, also known as xylose, is a type of sugar that is derived from wood. It is a five-carbon monosaccharide (simple sugar) that is found in the xylem of most plants and some types of fungi.

Chemical Structure

Wood sugar has the chemical formula C5H10O5. It is a pentose, which means it has five carbon atoms. The structure of wood sugar includes a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to each carbon atom, except for one which is double-bonded to an oxygen atom to form a carbonyl group (C=O). This makes wood sugar an aldose, a type of sugar with an aldehyde functional group.

Production

Wood sugar is produced from the hemicellulose component of wood, particularly from hardwood species such as oak and birch. The process involves the use of acid hydrolysis, where the wood is broken down into its component sugars by reaction with acid. The resulting mixture is then purified to isolate the wood sugar.

Uses

Wood sugar is used in various industries. In the food industry, it is used as a sweetener and can also be used in the production of xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. In the chemical industry, wood sugar can be used as a raw material for the production of ethanol and other chemicals. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the production of antibiotics and other drugs.

Health Effects

Wood sugar is not as sweet as sucrose, but it has similar metabolic effects. It can be metabolized by the body, but at a slower rate than other sugars. This makes it a potential alternative for people with diabetes or those trying to control their blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption of wood sugar can lead to digestive issues, as it is not fully absorbed in the digestive tract and can ferment, causing gas and bloating.

See Also

• Monosaccharide
• Xylitol
• Hemicellulose
• Acid hydrolysis