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D(+)-Xylose is a natural 5-carbon sugar (aldopentose) with formula C₅H₁₀O₅.
Key traits:
D-form: Biologically prevalent stereoisomer.
(+): Dextrorotatory (rotates light clockwise).
White, crystalline, water-soluble, mildly sweet.
Sources: Abundant in plant hemicellulose (e.g., birch, corn cobs).
Uses:
Medical: Diagnoses intestinal malabsorption (via D-xylose absorption test).
Industrial: Precursor to xylitol (sugar substitute) and furfural (biofuel/solvent).
Metabolism: Not digested by humans; fermented by gut bacteria.
Safety: Generally safe (food additive); excess may cause bloating.
D(+)-Xylose is a naturally occurring pentose sugar (5-carbon monosaccharide) with key chemical and biological properties:
Formula: C₅H₁₀O₅
IUPAC Name: (2R,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxypentanal
Structure: An aldo-pentose (aldehyde functional group at C1) with hydroxyl groups (-OH) at C2, C3, C4. The D-configuration indicates the highest-numbered chiral center (C4) matches D-glyceraldehyde's stereochemistry. The (+) denotes dextrorotatory optical activity.
Isomer: Predominant natural form (vs. L-xylose).
Appearance: White crystalline powder, sweet taste.
Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
Natural Sources: Abundant in hemicellulose (e.g., wood, straw, corn cobs).
Xylitol Precursor: Industrially reduced to xylitol (sweetener in sugar-free products).
Diagnostic Tool:
D-Xylose Absorption Test: Assesses intestinal malabsorption. Low urinary excretion indicates impaired small intestine function (e.g., celiac disease).
Metabolism: Not metabolized by humans (lacks key enzymes), but fermented by gut bacteria.
Industrial Use: Converted to furfural (solvent, biofuel precursor) via acid hydrolysis.
CAS Number: 58-86-6
Toxicity: Low (safe in foods; excessive intake may cause mild GI distress).
In short: D(+)-Xylose (C₅H₁₀O₅) is a natural dextrorotatory pentose sugar used to produce xylitol, diagnose gut disorders, and synthesize industrial chemicals. Its D-form dominates in plant biomass.
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