Carbohydrate Stereoisomers and Structures

Question 1

Define chiral carbon

Answer 1

Asymmetric carbon attached to four different atoms/groups

Question 2

What is the formula to determine the number of chiral carbons in an aldose?

Answer 2

Total carbons - 2 = n

Question 3

What is the formula to determine the number of chiral carbons in a ketose?

Answer 3

Total carbons - 3 = n

Question 4

What is the formula to determine the total number of stereoisomers in a carbohydrate?

Answer 4

2^n

n = number of chiral carbons

Question 5

Write the formula to determine naturally occurring stereoisomers

Answer 5

Divide stereoisomers by 2