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Cellobiose is a disaccharide with the formula (C6H7(OH)4O)2O. It is classified as a reducing sugar - any sugar that possesses the ability or function of a reducing agent. The chemical structure of cellobiose is derived from the condensation of a pair of β-glucose molecules forming a β(1→4) bond. It can be hydrolyzed to glucose enzymatically or with acid. Cellobiose has eight free alcohol (OH) groups, one acetal linkage, and one hemiacetal linkage, which give rise to strong inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds. It is a white solid.

It can be obtained by enzymatic or acidic hydrolysis of cellulose and cellulose-rich materials such as cotton, jute, or paper.[1] Cellobiose can be used as an indicator carbohydrate for Crohn's disease and malabsorption syndrome.[2]

Treatment of cellulose with acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid gives cellobiose acetoacetate, of which there is no longer a hydrogen bond donor (though it is still a hydrogen bond acceptor) and possesses aspects of being soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.[3]

References

  1. ^ Wilson, David B. (2009). "Cellulases and biofuels". Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 20 (3): 295–299. doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2009.05.007. PMID 19502046.
  2. ^ "Human Metabolome Database: Showing metabocard for Cellobiose (HMDB0000055)".
  3. ^ Braun, G. (1943). "α-Cellobiose Octaacetate" (PDF). Organic Syntheses. Collected Volume 2: 124. and Braun, G. (1937). "α-Cellobiose Octaacetate". Organic Syntheses. 17: 36. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.017.0036.
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