POLYMERS & FIBERS — Understand regenerated fibers. Question: Rayon (often marketed as viscose rayon) is chemically best described as:

Introduction / Context:
Rayon is a man-made fiber produced from natural polymers. It bridges the gap between natural fibers like cotton and fully synthetic polymers like nylon. Knowing its chemistry helps in understanding its properties (feel, dyeability, moisture regain) and care.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Rayon (viscose) is derived from wood pulp or cotton linters.
• Production dissolves cellulose and regenerates it as filaments.
• We distinguish between monomers (glucose), enzymes (amylase), and other polysaccharides (pectin).

Concept / Approach:
Cellulose is a linear polysaccharide of beta-D-glucose units (cellobiose repeats). In viscose process, cellulose is converted to cellulose xanthate, spun, and regenerated to nearly pure cellulose fibers. Variants like cellulose acetate are related derivatives but are distinct materials (e.g., acetate rayon). The question asks about “rayon” broadly, which in standard curricula refers to regenerated cellulose.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the base polymer: cellulose from wood pulp.Note the process: dissolve → spin → regenerate → cellulose filament.Eliminate distractors: pectin (plant cell walls but not rayon), glucose (monomer), amylase (enzyme), cellulose acetate (a derivative used in “acetate rayon,” not ordinary viscose rayon).

Verification / Alternative check:
Textile science sources classify viscose rayon as regenerated cellulose with typical DP (degree of polymerization) lower than native cellulose but chemically cellulose.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B) Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide used as gelling agent.C) Glucose is the monomer unit, not the fiber itself.D) Amylase is an enzyme, not a fiber.E) Cellulose acetate describes a derivative; the generic “rayon” here is regenerated cellulose (viscose/rayon).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing viscose rayon with acetate rayon; both are rayon family but chemically different (cellulose vs cellulose acetate).

Final Answer:
cellulose