Chitin is a polysaccharide. A simple linear homopolymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues is called chitin. Chitin is one of the most abundant substances on earth. It is the second most important polymer in the world. Its chemical symbol is (C8H13O5)n. Numerous D amino monomers are joined by β-1, 4 glycosidic bonds to form chitin.
Properties of chitin
(i) Chitin is insoluble in water, organic acids and weak acids.
(ii) It is soluble in strong formic acid and methane sulphonic acid.
(iii) It is stronger and more stable than cellulose.
(iv) Chitin is decomposed by strong acids to acetic acid and u-amino glucose.
(v) It is similar to keratin protein.
Source of Chitin: Chitin forms the exoskeleton or shell of animals like moths, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, squids. The cell walls of yeast and fungi are made of chitin. Dr. Siddique Publications
Uses of chitin: Chitin has uses in herbal, industrial and biotechnology.