Analysis of Wood Carbohydrates: A New Scheme

Abstract

A new scheme for the analysis of wood carbohydrates is proposed, which includes measurements of cellulose and non-cellulose polysaccharides. The analysis is based on the color reaction of monosaccharides in hydrolysates of polysaccharides with phenol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. The method is highly sensitive: the concentration of monosaccharides in the mixture prepared for analysis is determined at the level of 1 × 10^-4 M. For the analysis, 0.25 cm³ of the hydrolysate, previously diluted 10 times, is sufficient. The total time for the analysis of the hydrolysate, including sample preparation, does not exceed 30 minutes. The method allows for a relatively simple and highly accurate determination of polysaccharides both in plant raw materials (agricultural plants, softwood, and hardwood) and in lignin samples (softly isolated and technical).