194 Cellulose 



yields of acetic acid under the action of dilute nitric acid. Of 

 this constituent of the non-cellulose groups we have some 

 indirect knowledge. Thus, in the case of jute, we have given 

 to the entire lignone complex the statistical formula Ci 9 H 22 O 9 . 

 A portion of this, reacting with chlorine to form mairogallol, 

 may be approximately formulated as C, 8 H 18 O 9 = 3[C 6 H 6 O 3 ], 

 If we therefore resolve the complex into 



C 6 H 6 3 20CH, C U H 10 4 , 



Keto R. hexene Methoxyl 

 group 



we are left with the highly condensed group CiiH| O 4 , con- 

 taining the furfural-yielding constituents, and also yielding 

 acetic acid as described. 



The constitution of this complex must be considerably 

 removed from that of the ordinary carbohydrates. Whether 

 hexoses or pentoses are represented, either must be in the form 

 of a polyanhydride ; and the acetic residues are also probably 

 of the dehydrated or CO.CH 2 form. 



The further investigation of this problem is the work of the 

 immediate future, and it is with the view of setting forth some 

 of the probabilities involved that the discussion has been 

 pushed somewhat beyond the limits of ascertained fact. 



THE CHLORINATION REACTION. The reactions of the wood 

 lignocelluloses with chlorine have not been systematically in- 

 vestigated. It must be remembered that a wood tissue is a 

 complex structure, and although it will have become evident 

 that there is a remarkable uniformity in chemical composition, 

 still a mixture is always less attractive as a basis of investigation 

 than a homogeneous substance such as the jute fibre. It has, 

 however, been sufficiently established by research that the re- 

 action of the dicotyledonous woods with chlorine is identical 

 in general features with that of the typical lignocellulose i.e. a 

 yellow-coloured quinone chloride is formed, giving the same 

 briliiant colour reaction with sodium sulphite ; and on treat- 



