Glucose and Fructose

Part of the Food Chemistry and the Lab section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 2 of 27.

Fructose and glucose share the formula C₆H₁₂O₆ but join their atoms differently: they are isomers.

The open-chain structure of fructose: six carbons, a C=O on the second carbon and five OH groups

Fructose has the same formula as glucose, C₆H₁₂O₆

Glucose with its carbonyl group and one of its hydroxyl groups shaded

A carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH) in glucose

Both have hydroxyl groups (O-H) and one carbonyl group (C=O): at the end of glucose's chain, on the second carbon of fructose.

The OH groups form hydrogen bonds with water, so sugars dissolve easily.

Challenge

Glucose is drawn here as an open chain. Mark every functional group in the molecule: name each group and tap its atoms.

Try it yourself

Work it out on the board

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Food Chemistry and the Lab

1Carbohydrates

4Food Energy and Additives

7Practice Problems

2Fats and Oils

5Laboratory Skills

3Proteins

6Experiments