Acetylation and characterization of xylan from hardwood kraft pulp

► Xylan was isolated from eucalyptus hardwood kraft pulp by NaOH extraction. ► Structural analysis confirms that the isolated xylan was a homoxylan. ► Acetylation of homoxylan showed equal reactivities at the C-2 and C-3 positions. ► Thermal stability and solubility in CHCl3 of xylan acetate increased with increase in DS. ► Perpropionylation of xylan acetate improved its thermal and solubility properties.