D-Arabinose → Lyxose

Participants

Reaction Steps

By means of this process it is possible for example to epimerize an approximately 35% strength by weight solution of arabinose in 1:1 methanol/water to D-ribose with a conversion of 35% and a ribose selectivity of 91% without forming detectable amounts of D-lyxose or xylose. The sugar loss is only about 3%. The product solution thus obtained has only a slight yellow color. It can be concentrated to a dry substance content of about 70% to crystallize the bulk of the unconverted arabinose in at least 99% purity, which can be recycled into the epimerization.

Provenance & Evidence