Title: Arabinose
CAS Registry Number: 147-81-9
Synonyms: L-Arabinose; pectin sugar
Molecular Formula: C5H10O5
Molecular Weight: 150.13
Percent Composition: C 40.00%, H 6.71%, O 53.29%
Literature References: Widely distributed in plants, usually in the form of complex polysaccharides. Also in mycobacteria. Isoln from mesquite gum: Anderson, Sands,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 48, 3172 (1926);
Org. Synth. coll. vol. I, 16 (2nd ed., 1941); White,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 69, 715 (1947); from western red cedar
(Thuja plicata Don.,
Cupressaceae): Anderson, Erdtman,
ibid. 71, 2927 (1949); from sapote gum: White,
ibid. 75, 257 (1953); from heartwood of port orford cedar
(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Murr.) Parl,
Cupressaceae): Kritchevsky, Anderson,
ibid. 77, 3391 (1955). Structure: Wolfrom, Christman,
ibid. 58, 39 (1936). Synthesis: Hough, Jones,
J. Chem. Soc. 1951, 1122.
Properties: Orthorhombic bisphenoidal crystals, mp 157-160°. Shows mutarotation. [a]D12 +173° (6 min) ?[a]D20 +105.1° (22? hrs c = 3). One gram dissolves in about 1 ml water, about 250 ml 90% alc. Ka at 17°, -3.7 ′ 10-13. Reduces Fehling's soln. Forms furfurol on heating to 200° in closed tube also contg water.
Melting point: mp 157-160°
Optical Rotation: [a]D12 +173° (6 min) ?[a]D20 +105.1° (22? hrs c = 3)
Use: As culture medium for certain bacteria.
