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Polysaccharide investigations

University of British Columbia

Mesquite gum, sapote gum A and sapote gum B have been subjected to purification and hydrolysis. Chromatographic examination of each hydrolysate has revealed the constituent sugars. The three gums have been methylated and chromatographic examination of hydrolysates from these methylated derivatives has indicated the methylated sugars present. Methylated mesquite gum yielded 2,3,5-trimethyl-L-arabinose, 3,5-dimethyl-L-arabinose, 2,4-dimethyl-D-galactose and 2,3,4-trimethyl-D glucuronic acid. Sapote gum A gave 2,3,4-trimethyl-D-xylose, 2,3,4-trimethyl-L-arabinose, 3-monomethyl-D-xylose and some 2,3,4-trimethyl-D-glucuronic acid. These results are in agreement with published data. A second sample of sapote gum, designated as sapote gum B, has been shown to contain different methylated sugars. Both gums were obtained from the same source. Among the components of sapote gum B 2,3,4-trimethyl rhamnose, 2, 3,5-trimethyl arabinose and 2,3,4-trimethyl xylose have been detected. The presence of 2,4-dimethyl-D-galactose, 2,3,4-trimethyl-D-galactose and 2,3,4-trimethyl-D-glucuronic acid has also been shown. The difference in the methylated products obtained from the two samples of sapote gum indicates a dissimilarity of structure. Both gums were thought to be produced by the same species, but in view of the above results this does not appear likely.

Text

2012-02-29

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/41018

Chemistry

University of British Columbia

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