Chemistry Workshops

for Organic Chemistry

Chapter 24 Workshop Problems
Carbohydrates


1. Show the cyclic structures indicated that are in equilibrium with the open chain sugars represented in the Fischer projections. Show six-membered rings in the chair conformations.


2. Sophorose is a disaccharide (found in some bean varieties) in which the C-4 OH of a D-glucopyranose unit forms a beta linkage to the anomeric carbon of a D-galactopyranose unit.

a. Provide a structure of sophorose in which the rings of the sugar are shown in the chair form. Indicate clearly whether substituents are axial or equatorial.

b. Is sophorose a reducing sugar or not? Why or why not?


3. Identify the following as nonreducing or reducing sugars and clearly justify your choices. Circle the functional group(s) responsible for these properties.


4. Show how to convert D-glucose into the following molecules using any necessary reagents. If more than one synthetic step is required, give the product for each step. Clearly specify all reagents and conditions.