Specific preparation of artificial xylan: a new approach to polysaccharide synthesis by using cellulase as catalyst

Xylan is one of the most important components of hemicellulose in plant cell walls, and also an interesting macromolecule due to its supramolecular interaction with cellulose. A number of studies have focused on the structure determinations, biosyntheses, and the chemical and physical properties of xylan. These studies have been carried out in view of fundamental science and practical applications. This article reports the first synthesis of artificial xylan, a linear xylose polymer composed exclusively of xylopyranose units, by a transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by cellulase with use of β-xylobiosyl fluoride 1 as a substrate monomer.