The discovery of chitin.

definition

Chitin is “a polysaccharide found abundantly in nature. Chitin forms the basis of the hard shells of crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. The exoskeleton of insects is also chitinous, and the cell walls of certain fungi contain this substance.”[1]

DISCOVERY

The French chemist Henri Braconnot discovered[2] chitin in 1810. He isolated it after boiling several different kinds of mushroom (for example, Volvariella volvacea) in alkaline water.

DISCOVERER

Here is a portrait[3] of Henri Braconnot:

[ux_image_box img=”1081″ image_width=”40″ link=”https://www.magnoliabox.com/products/henri-braconnot-kw2657634″ target=”_blank”]

1780-1855

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sources

1. https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/chitin
2. https://books.google.ae/books?id=Bu87AQAAMAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s, pages 265-268.
3. https://www.magnoliabox.com/products/henri-braconnot-kw2657634