D-erythrose

Definition

D-erythrose is an aldose, a monosaccharide with an aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain. It is one of the four stereoisomers of the simple sugar erythrulose, and is classified as a D-sugar based on the configuration of the chiral carbon atoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. D-erythrose is one of the four stereoisomers of the simple sugar erythrulose, with the D-configuration.
2. As an aldose, D-erythrose has an aldehyde group at the end of its 4-carbon chain.
3. The D-configuration of D-erythrose means the hydroxyl group on the chiral carbon farthest from the aldehyde is on the right in the Fischer projection.
4. D-erythrose is a monosaccharide, meaning it is the simplest form of a carbohydrate and cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller sugar units.
5. The stereochemistry of D-erythrose is an important consideration when studying the configurations of aldoses, as it demonstrates how small changes in the arrangement of atoms can lead to different isomers.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the 'D-' prefix in the name 'D-erythrose' and how it relates to the configuration of the molecule.
  • The 'D-' prefix in 'D-erythrose' indicates that the hydroxyl group on the chiral carbon farthest from the aldehyde is on the right when the molecule is drawn in the Fischer projection. This D-configuration is an important structural feature that distinguishes D-erythrose from its stereoisomers, as the arrangement of atoms in space can have significant implications for the molecule's properties and reactivity.
• Describe how the aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain in D-erythrose relates to its classification as an aldose.
  • As an aldose, D-erythrose contains an aldehyde group (-CHO) at the end of its 4-carbon chain. This functional group is a key structural feature that defines aldoses, which are a subclass of monosaccharides. The presence of the aldehyde group allows D-erythrose to undergo oxidation and reduction reactions, making it an important intermediate in various metabolic pathways and carbohydrate interconversions.
• Analyze how the stereochemistry of D-erythrose, as a monosaccharide, relates to the broader topic of configurations of aldoses.
  • $$The configuration of D-erythrose, with its specific arrangement of atoms in space, is a crucial consideration when studying the configurations of aldoses more broadly. As a monosaccharide, D-erythrose demonstrates how small changes in the positioning of functional groups, such as the hydroxyl group on the chiral carbon, can lead to the formation of different stereoisomers. Understanding the stereochemistry of D-erythrose and other aldoses is essential for predicting their reactivity, interactions, and biological roles, which is a central focus of the topics 25.3 D,L Sugars and 25.4 Configurations of the Aldoses.\$$

Related terms

Aldose: A monosaccharide that contains an aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain.

Stereoisomer: Molecules that have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms.

D-sugar: A sugar molecule where the hydroxyl group on the chiral carbon farthest from the aldehyde or ketone group is on the right when the molecule is drawn in the Fischer projection.