Question

Monosaccharides can be categorized in terms of the number of carbon atoms (pentoses have five carbons and hexoses have six carbons) and according to whether they contain an aldehyde (aldo- prefix, as in aldopentose) or ketone group (keto- prefix, as in ketopentose). Classify glucose and fructose in this way.

Short answer

Glucose is classified as an aldohexose, as it has six carbon atoms and contains an aldehyde functional group. Fructose is classified as a ketohexose, as it also has six carbon atoms but contains a ketone functional group.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the number of carbon atoms in glucose and fructose

Glucose is a hexose, meaning it has six carbon atoms. Fructose also has six carbon atoms; hence, it is also a hexose.

Identify if glucose and fructose contain an aldehyde or ketone functional group

Glucose is an aldohexose, which means it has an aldehyde functional group. On the other hand, fructose is a ketohexose, meaning it contains a ketone functional group.

Classify glucose and fructose based on the criteria

Glucose is classified as an aldohexose because it has six carbon atoms and contains an aldehyde functional group. Fructose is classified as a ketohexose because it has six carbon atoms and contains a ketone functional group.