Synonyms
(1,4)-N-acetyl-D-glucos-2-amine
Description
The monomers are identified as N-Acetyl-Amnioglucose. Chitin is a polysaccharide containing nitrogen in which monomers occur with the glycosidically linked components beta 1,4. It is the same coupling as glucose with cellulose, however in chitin the hydroxyl group of the monomer is replaced with an acetyl amine group. The resulting, stronger hydrogen bond between the bordering polymers makes chitin harder and more stabile than cellulose.
IUPAC Name
N-[(2R)-2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]acetamide
Molecular Formula
(C8H13NO5)n
Canonical SMILES
CC(=O)NC1[C@@H](OC(C(C1O)O)CO)O
InChI
OVRNDRQMDRJTHS-WTZNIHQSSA-N
InChI Key
InChI=1S/C8H15NO6/c1-3(11)9-5-7(13)6(12)4(2-10)15-8(5)14/h4-8,10,12-14H,2H2,1H3,(H,9,11)/t4?,5?,6?,7?,8-/m1/s1
Melting Point
>300 °C(dec.)
Solubility
Insoluble in water, organic solvents, weak acids and lyes
Soluble in concentrated formic acid and methane sulfonic acid,
Strong acids split chitin into acetic acid and D-amino glucose (monomer of chitin), strong lyes split chitin into Acetic acid and chitosan.
Appearance
White to beige solid
Hazard Statements
Xi: Irritant;
Stability
Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container closed when not in use.