Xylose

Other names: Xylose

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Xylose, also known as Xylose, is a pentose, which means that it is a sugar composed of five carbon atoms. This compound is particularly abundant in wood and plants and can also be obtained from algae or marine fungi. The structure of xylose is dominated by the circular form, which is the most common and stable in nature.

Xylose is used in several manufacturing areas. For example, it is used as an ingredient in the production of sweeteners, as xylose has approximately the same sweetness as glucose, but unlike glucose it has a lower calorific value. In the food industry, xylose is also used to produce xylitol, a sweetener used in sugar-free chewing gum. Xylose also finds application in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a component of some pharmaceuticals and is also used in the diagnosis of bacteria. Xylose is also used in the production of some biofuels, where it serves as a raw material for the fermentation process. It has the advantage that it does not compete with plant-based food production and can therefore represent an environmentally friendly source of energy.