Abstract:
The literature data on the pentahydric alcohol xylitol are reviewed. The methods for the preparation of xylitol, its ethers, esters, nitrogen-, halogen-, and sulphur-containing derivatives, acetals, ketals, anhydroxylitols, and their various derivatives are examined and the spectroscopic methods for demonstrating the structures of certain xylitol derivatives are discussed. The therapeutic and diagnostic, dietary, and industrial applications of xylitol and its derivatives are briefly considered. The bibliography includes 553 references.