Question

What reduction reactions can be used to identify the configuration of sugars?

Answer 1

Reduction reactions:

• Reduction reactions are those in which Hydrogen is added or oxygen is removed.
• Reduction reactions can be used to identify the configuration of sugars.

Reduction reactions of sugars:

1. Reaction with Sodium borohydride:

• The reaction of aldose with Sodium borohydride gives alditol.

2. Osazone formation:

• The osazone formation also helps in the identification of aldose sugars that differ in $\mathrm{\alpha }$-configuration.