Big question in ketose

[chuinhen]

We know that a simple reducing sugar can be divided into 2 groups:

 

The aldose and the ketose

 

A ketose contains 1 group of Ketone group .

 

However , ketone is resistant to oxidation in the organic chemistry context.

 

But ketose is a reducing sugar !!!!

 

 

Can anyone give an idea to this question

[Yggdrasil]

Ketones can be oxidized in organic chemistry. They are less succeptible to oxidation than aldehydes, but they can be reduced to secondary alcohols nonetheless.

[chuinhen]

to act as a reducing agent , it must be oxidised not reduced !!

[Yggdrasil]

Ah, you're right, I was thinking of something else.

 

Not all ketoses are reducing sugars. You are absolutely right that ketones are resistant to oxidation because alkyl groups are not good leaving groups. However, 2-ketoses are capable of acting as reducing agents because they are in equilibrium with an aldose form in basic solution (see attached picture).