Abstract: A silicatic complexing agent for alkaline earth ions comprising an acid activated mineral of the montmorillonite-beidellite series, said mineral charged with an alkali metal.

Abstract: A process for the two-stage decomposition of hemicelluloses of xylane-containing natural products is disclosed for the purpose of obtaining xylose and/or xylitol. According to the process, in a first stage natural products containing xylane are brought into contact with an alkali hydroxide solution and the residue conveyed into a subsequent extraction zone where it is extracted. In a second stage the extraction residue of the first stage is brought into contact with dilute acid and the residue conveyed into a subsequent extraction zone is extracted. The process is characterized in particular that the treated material is moved continuously in both stages in successive reactors by conveyor devices having different conveying performances, e.g., different lengths, cross-sections, speeds of conveying and the like.

Abstract: Process for the two-stage decomposition of hemi-celluloses of xylan-containing natural products for the purpose of obtaining xylose and xylitol where the starting material is treated in the first stage with a basic medium and the obtained solid residue is subjected in a subsequent stage to an acid treatment wherein the alkaline and acid stages are carried out in a single reaction vessel.

Abstract: Xylitol which is useful as a sugar substitute is produced from xylan containing natural products by: acid hydrolyzing xylan to xylose; concentrating the hydrolysis solution to remove acetic acid by-product; diluting with water; adjusting the pH to about 6.5 to about 7.5; catalytically hydrogenating the xylose to xylitol under pressure; and recovering xylitol by extraction.