Derivatization and characterization of xylan from oat spelts

Xylan is the predominant hemicellulose component in the residues of annual plants, e.g., in oat spelts xylan amounts to 35-40% of the total mass. For our investigation xylan was separated through alkaline extraction of oat spelts. Our aim was to synthesize water-soluble hemicellulose derivatives from oat spelts xylan preferably under heterogeneous conditions. Esterification was used for derivatization. The synthesises were optimised by variation of the temperature, reaction time and the molar ratios to achieve complete solubility, with good reproducibility and in good yields. Other modification possibilities and application areas of xylan from oat spelts could be proved.