Draw the structures of an aldopentose.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'ketohexose': A ketohexose is a six-carbon sugar (hexose) that contains a ketone functional group. The ketone group is typically located on the second carbon atom of the chain.
2. Start by drawing the backbone of the molecule: Create a chain of six carbon atoms, as this is the defining feature of a hexose.
3. Add the ketone group: Place a double-bonded oxygen (C=O) on the second carbon atom in the chain. This is the ketone functional group.
4. Add hydroxyl (-OH) groups: Attach hydroxyl groups to the remaining carbon atoms (except the first and last carbons). The arrangement of these groups determines whether the ketohexose is D- or L-configuration. For example, D-fructose is a common ketohexose.
5. Complete the structure: Add hydrogen atoms to the remaining bonds of the carbon atoms to satisfy the valency of carbon (four bonds per carbon atom). Ensure the structure is consistent with the molecular formula C6H12O6.

Key Concepts

Ketohexose

A ketohexose is a type of sugar that contains six carbon atoms and a ketone functional group. The general formula for ketohexoses is C6H12O6, and they are classified as monosaccharides. Common examples include fructose, which is found in many fruits. Understanding the structure of ketohexoses is essential for studying carbohydrate chemistry and metabolism.

Structural Representation

Structural representation refers to the way in which the molecular structure of a compound is depicted, often using line-angle formulas or Fischer projections. For ketohexoses, it is important to accurately represent the arrangement of carbon atoms, functional groups, and stereochemistry. This visual representation aids in understanding the compound's properties and reactivity.

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical behavior. In the case of ketohexoses, the presence of chiral centers leads to different stereoisomers, which can have distinct biological activities. Recognizing the stereochemical configurations is crucial for comprehending the functionality of sugars in biological systems.