Question

Which one of the following does not exhibit the phenomenon of mutarotation?

• A. $(+)–Sucrose$
• B. $(+)–Lactose$
• C. $(+)–Maltose$
• D. $(–)–Fructose$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $(+)–Sucrose$

Sucrose does not show mutarotation. Mutarotation is the phenomenon of change in optical rotation shown by freshly prepared solutions of sugars. However, this property is not exhibited by all sugars. Only those sugars which have a free aldehyde $(-CHO)$ or ketone $(>C=O)$ group are capable of showing mutarotation. Sucrose lacks free aldehyde or ketone group and is therefore, incapable of showing mutarotation.