Functional Groups in Glyceraldehyde (HOCH₂CH(OH)CHO)
What functional groups are in Glyceraldehyde (HOCH₂CH(OH)CHO)?
Glyceraldehyde (HOCH₂CH(OH)CHO) contains 3 functional groups: Aldehyde (-CHO), Hydroxyl (-OH) on C2, Hydroxyl (-OH) on C3. The simplest aldose sugar. Contains both aldehyde and hydroxyl groups.
| Formula | HOCH₂CH(OH)CHO |
| Name | Glyceraldehyde |
| Number of Functional Groups | 3 |
| Functional Groups Present | Aldehyde (-CHO), Hydroxyl (-OH) on C2, Hydroxyl (-OH) on C3 |
| Description | The simplest aldose sugar. Contains both aldehyde and hydroxyl groups. |
Overview
Glyceraldehyde (HOCH₂CH(OH)CHO) is the simplest sugar (aldose). It combines an aldehyde with hydroxyl groups.
Aldehyde (-CHO)
The aldehyde group (-CHO) at C1 has a terminal C=O bonded to hydrogen. This is what makes glyceraldehyde an "aldose" sugar.
Hydroxyl (-OH) on C2
Two hydroxyl groups (-OH) are attached to C2 and C3. These -OH groups make sugars highly soluble in water and are involved in forming cyclic sugar structures.
Complete Analysis
All groups highlighted: one aldehyde (-CHO) and two hydroxyl groups (-OH). The aldehyde classifies this as an aldose; the hydroxyls make it a polyol.
Interactive 3D functional group identification with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes on 12 molecules.
Identify Functional Groups in Glyceraldehyde in 3DRelated Topics
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