Carbohydrates
The number of chiral carbon atoms present in the open-chain form of D-glucose is:
Select the correct option:
Solution
4
D-glucose (an aldohexose) in its open-chain form has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆. Carbon atoms C2, C3, C4, and C5 each bear four different substituents, making them chiral centres. C1 is the aldehyde carbon and C6 is —CH₂OH, neither of which is chiral. Therefore, D-glucose has 4 chiral carbon atoms.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- biomolecules
- Topic
- carbohydrates
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
4
D-glucose (an aldohexose) in its open-chain form has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆. Carbon atoms C2, C3, C4, and C5 each bear four different substituents, making them chiral centres. C1 is the aldehyde carbon and C6 is —CH₂OH, neither of which is chiral. Therefore, D-glucose has 4 chiral carbon atoms.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter biomolecules, covering the topic of carbohydrates. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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