| abstract |
A process for the hydrolysis of oat husks is carried out with alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal chlorite in a first stage and with mineral acid in a second stage to provide D-(+)-xylose. The xylose can be recovered as such, or converted in situ to xylitol. The solid residue by-product of the aforesaid process for the hydrolysis of oat husks, following removal of the lignin content thereof, is readily convertible to cellulose. |