Levoglucosan

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Levoglucosan (1, 6-anhydro-b-D-Glucose) is an anhydrohexose that is the 1, 6-anhydro-derivative of beta-D-glucopyranose. It is formed from the pyrolysis of carbohydrates, such as starch and cellulose. Levoglucosan can also be utilized in the synthesis of chiral polymers such as unhydrolysable glucose polymers. Levoglucosan is also produced via caramelization of sugar. Consumption of caramel or caramel-containing sweets can lead to a short-term 5X increase in urinary levels of levoglucosan (from 20 uM/mM creatinine to 100 uM/mM creatinine).