X‐ray diffraction studies on the xyloglucan from tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seed

Oriented samples of the xyloglucan polysaccharide from tamarind seed were examined using X‐ray diffraction. Periodicities indexing on a spacing of 2.06 nm were observed along the chain direction. This value is twice that reported for cellulose and is commensurate with four β‐1,4‐linked glucose residues. Flat, ribbon‐like two‐fold helical models for the β‐1,4‐linked polyglucose backbone, with two possible schemes for decoration with xylose and galactose side groups, are proposed.