Chapter 18.1, Problem 11PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To state the differences between the open-chain structure of D-galactose and D-glucose.

Concept introduction: Monosaccharides are most basic form of a carbohydrate and simplest from of sugars. They are unable to hydrolyze into simpler components and their general formula is C_nH_2nO_nwhere n is the number of atoms of each of the elements present in a monosaccharide. Glucose and galactose are one of the most important monosaccharides. Both of these fall in the category of hexose as they contain six carbon atoms in their structure and have the same molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆.Most common form of glucose and galactose which is found in nature is the D-isomer where -OH groups are present on the right of five carbon atoms present in the open chain structure. The only difference in their structure is the position of -OH group at carbon number 4 which can be seen in their structures.