Properties of Carbohydrates

Abstract

This activity for a one-semester GOB course for health professions, introduces reactions of simple monosaccharides. The activity begins with a review of important reactions: catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyls, oxidation of aldehydes with Benedict’s reagent and hemi-acetal formation. Students explore the same reactions for several aldohexoses (glucose, galactose and mannose) comparing the structural similarities and differences in the reactants and products. Students name the functional group of the reactants and products and identify the reagents and reaction type. Further exploration probes whether the different monosaccharides yield different products. Application questions guide students through the same process drawing the products for an aldopentose (ribose). The Team develops a strategy for predicting reactions of simple monosaccharides. Application and Extension questions apply the same strategy to another aldose (talose) and a ketose (fructose). Opportunities for Team discussion and reflection are embedded throughout the activity. A Team member summarizes the Team discussions.

Level: Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Chemistry
Course: General, Organic & Biochemistry (GOB)
Keywords: organic functional groups, oxidation and reduction, hemiacetal/hemiketal formation, monosaccharides, hexose, pentose, aldose, ketose