Question

For monosaccharides to cyclize, an alcohol group must attack a carbonyl group. Which carbon of linear pento-ketose has the reactive carbonyl?

Answer 1

The carbon atom on the second position of the chain in a linear pento-ketose has the reactive carbonyl group.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a linear pento-ketose, the carbonyl group is located in the middle of the carbon chain. The carbon atom attached to this carbonyl group is the one that can react with an alcohol group to form a cyclic structure. In this case, the carbon atom on the second position of the chain has the reactive carbonyl group.