Chemical structure of kenaf xylan

Methylation and partial acid hydrolysis of xylans from the bast and core of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) showed that the main chain of these xylans consists of (1 → 4)-linked β-d-xylopyranosyl (Xylp) residues, some of which carry a α-1,2-linked 4-O-methyl-glucopyranosyluronic acid (Me-GlcAp) and glucopyranosyluronic acid (GlcAp) residues as side chains. Partial hydrolysis of kenaf xylans afforded two series of aldouronic acids from aldobio- to aldotetraouronic acids. The acids of the first series composed of 4-O-Me-d-GlcAp and d-Xylp residues: 4-O-Me-GlcA-Xyl3, 4-O-Me-GlcA-Xyl2 and 4-O-Me-GlcA-Xyl. The second series composed of d-GlcAp and d-Xylp: GlcA-Xyl3, GlcA-Xyl2 and GlcA-Xyl.In addition to these acids, another aldobiouronic acid, 4-O-(α-d-GalAp)-d-Xyl was found to be present in the partial hydrolysate.The molar ratio of GalA, GlcA, 4-O-Me-GlcA, and Xyl residues was calculated to be 1.0:2.0:9.4:119 for the bast xylan and 1.0:1.3:7.9:99.4 for the core xylan.