Carbohydrate Chemistry

The chemistry and biochemistry of carbohydrates have become key research areas throughout the world. Responding to the enormous interest expressed in these fields, this new book has brought together a range of contributors, each working at the forefront of carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry to provide concise authoritative and timely review of these exciting areas. Aimed at chemists, biochemists and biologists, the reader will find this book an invaluable introduction to and review of the most important developments in carbohydrate chemistry.<br/> As a distinct chemical group, the carbohydrates comprising mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides and their derivatives are the most abundant group of natural products. From simple monosaccharides produced in photosynthesis to polysaccharides built in complex biochemical reactions, carbohydrates are produced in huge quantities by plant and animal life. Apart from dietary and structural uses in plants and animals, it is now well established t