Chapter 24.12, Problem 14P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reasons for the classifications in the structural formula for $\text{N-acetylneuraminic acid}$ described as a ketose is to be explained and carbon atoms in the nine-carbon chain are to be numbered and the configuration of the highest numbered chirality center is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

In carbohydrates, if one of hydroxyl groups is replaced by an amino group, then the sugar is called amino sugar.

The sugar is a ketose sugar in which the anomeric carbon of a pyranose ring bears both, the hydroxyl group and a carbon substituent.

In carbohydrates, there is a possibility of replacement of one or more hydroxyl substituents by some other atoms.

The carbon atom with the highest oxidation state is given number one.