Description

Definition
D-xylose, commonly called wood sugar, which is a natural 5-carbon sugar (pentose) obtained from the xylan rich portion of hemicellulose from plants cell walls and fiber.
 
Physiochemical properties
Its white crystalline powder, dissolve easily in water. The sweetness of xylose is about 70% that of cane sugar. The melting point and solubility of D-xylose is similar with glucose. The viscosity is less than glucose at the same temperature.
 
Functions of D-xylose 
  No digestive enzyme of D-xylose in human body
  Good compatibility
  No-cal sweetener
  Inhibit blood glucose rising
  Reducing property
 Application
(1) xylose can produce xylitol by by hydrogenation
(2) xylose as no-calorie sweetener in food, beverage, applicable to obesity and diabetes
(3) xylose can improve color and flavours by Maillard reaction such as a grilled fish balls  
(4)xylose is used as the upscale soy sauce color
(5)xylose can be used in light industry, chemical industry
(6)Use in petfood for palatbiltity, as flavor enhancer