The Nature of the Hemicelluloses of Jute Fiber

Abstract

Hemicellulose I from jute fiber has been subjected to periodate oxidation under different conditions. From the amount of formic acid liberated during the oxidation under optimum conditions and from its nonreducing character, it is suggested that hemicellulose I has a branched structure. Its molecular weight by the osmotic-pressure method has been found to be about 20,000. Methylaldobiuronic acid, derived from hemicellulose I, gives both formic acid (2 mols.) and formaldehyde (1 mol.) on oxidation with periodate. It appears to be 3- (3-methylglucuronosyl )- D-xylose. Based on the observations made here, a provisional structure is suggested for hemicellulose I.