Chapter 20, Problem 20.7P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference in structure between an aldose and a ketose and between an aldopentose and a ketopentose should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Carbohydrates means hydrate of carbon, they have the general formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{m}}{\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)}_{\text{n}}$ (m and n can be same or different). For example: the formula of Glucose is C₆ H₁₂ O₆, which can alternatively be written as C₆ (H₂ O)₆.

At the molecular level, carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes and polyhydroxy ketones.