Question

Treating chitin with ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{O}\mathbf{,}\mathbf{}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{OH}$ hydrolyzes its amide linkages, forming a compound called chitosan. What is the structure of chitosan? Chitosan has been used in shampoos, fibers for sutures, and wound dressings.

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Chitin

The compound chitin is similar to a protein but made of amino sugars. It helps to create a hard outer shell in animals. It is present in mushrooms, shrimp, lobster, etc.

Chitosan

The polysaccharide chitosan acts as fiber to reduce the consumed fat by the body. It is present in the outer shells of lobster, shrimp, crab etc. It has several uses in the medicinal field. It helps in blood clotting when it gets hurt.

The formation of chitosan

The formation of chitosan from chitin occurs by hydrolysis. The $-{\mathrm{NHCOCH}}_3$group on hydrolysis becomes the $-{\mathrm{NH}}_2$ group.

Structure of chitosan