Reducing And Non-Reducing Sugars Flashcards
1
Q
What makes a sugar reducing
A
It donates an electron
2
Q
What happens when the sugar donates the electron
A
The carbonyl group becomes oxidised
3
Q
What test is used for reducing sugars
A
Benedict’s test
4
Q
Why do we use the Benedict’s test for reducing sugars
A
Because they reduce the soluble copper oxide (which is brick red)
5
Q
Examples of reducing sugars, what are they generally
A
Glucose, fructose, maltose
Generally monosaccharides
6
Q
What makes a sugar non reducing
A
They cannot donate electrons so aren’t oxidised
7
Q
How do we test for non-reducing sugars
A
Hydrolyse a disaccharide first using an acid, neutralise with an alkali and then carry out the Benedict’s test
8
Q
Example of non-reducing, what are they generally
A
Sucrose
Generally disaccharides
