A reducing sugar is one that
A)contains a b(1→1)link.
B)has a hemiacetal group.
C)can reduce Cu2+ but not Ag+.
D)makes you lose weight.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A reducing sugar is one that can donate electrons to another chemical, such as an oxidizing agent. This is possible because a reducing sugar has a free aldehyde or ketone functional group, in the form of a hemiacetal or hemiketal. These functional groups can undergo oxidation to form carboxylic acids, which involves the loss of electrons. The ability to donate electrons is what allows reducing sugars to reduce other chemicals. Therefore, choice B, which describes a hemiacetal group, best represents a reducing sugar. The other choices are unrelated to the definition of a reducing sugar.

A Reducing Sugar Is One That