1. Describe the source and preparation of xanthan.

2. Give a shorthand structure for xanthan.

3. Give the structure of a pyruvylated beta-D-mannopyranosyl nonreducing end-unit of xanthan.

4. Describe how the structure of xanthan differs from the structures of plant polysaccharides (other than cellulose).

5. Describe the molecular (three-dimensional) structure of the xanthan molecule.

6. Relate the molecular structure of xanthan to its high degree of pseudoplasticity.

7. Describe the unusual properties of xanthan solutions with respect to a) pH and b) temperature and tell what is unusual about them..

8. Give applications of xanthan that make use of a) the effect of temperature on its solutions, b) the pseudoplasticity of its solutions, and/or c) the yield stress of its solutions.  Explain..

9. Describe how the Newtonian plateau of xanthan dispersions is related to its ability to stabilize emulsions and suspensions.

Web Authors: James R. Daniel, Ph. D. and James N. BeMiller, Ph. D.
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