Wood Composition and Structure

The primary components are terpenes, resins, fatty acids, and phenols, which play a role in the wood's chemical properties and durability.

Cellulose consists of repeating units of D-glucose linked by 1,4’-b-glycosidic linkages, while hemicellulose is made up of various sugars including glucose, mannose, and galactose.

The crystalline region is impenetrable by solvents, providing structural integrity, while the amorphous region allows easier penetration by solvents and reagents.

<p>Hardwoods contain about 35% carbohydrates, while softwoods have around 45%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lignin provides rigidity and resistance to decay, playing a key role in the structural support of wood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Wood, consisting of 93% virgin fiber, is the principal source of fiber for pulp and paper production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Softwoods generally have a higher cellulose content (~45%) compared to hardwoods (~42%), while hardwoods contain more lignin (~28% vs ~20%).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary components found in the cell wall of wood are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Extractives are extraneous substances in wood that can be easily extracted and include resins, terpenes, and fatty acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Generally, softer woods tend to have shorter fiber lengths compared to hardwoods, which typically have longer fibers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lignin provides a three-dimensional phenolic polymer network that strengthens the wood cell walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>As a wood plant matures, its chemical composition skews towards a higher percentage of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Softwoods come from gymnosperms, typically needle-leafed trees, while hardwoods come from angiosperms, usually broad-leafed trees.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fischer projections represent the linear form of sugars, while Haworth projections depict the cyclic forms, emphasizing ring structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The D-configuration indicates that the hydroxyl (-OH) group on the highest numbered chiral carbon is on the right in Fischer projections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In α-D-glucose, the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon is oriented down, while in β-D-glucose, it is oriented up.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hemiacetals form when a carbonyl reacts with an alcohol, while acetals result when a second alcohol reacts with a hemiacetal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Glycosidic bonds link monosaccharides in chains, specifically through 1,4'-α-glycosidic linkages in starch and glycogen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cellulose consists of long chains of β-D-glucose molecules linked by 1,4'-β-glycosidic bonds, forming stiff, rod-like structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mutarotation involves the interconversion between α and β forms in solution, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carbon numbering in cyclic sugars is crucial for identifying the anomeric carbon and determining specific chemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Starch and glycogen have branched structures with multiple 1,4' and 1,6' linkages, facilitating quick energy release and solubility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chirality in monosaccharides results in different spatial arrangements of atoms, leading to distinct properties and biological activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers