Two D-aldopentoses give the same D-aldotetrose upon Ruff degradation. The two aldopentoses are ________.
A) enantiomers
B) meso compounds
C) C2 epimers
D) C4 epimers
E) D-glucose and D-galactose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C2 epimers of D-aldopentoses can give the same D-aldotetrose upon Ruff degradation because the process involves the shortening of the carbon chain by one carbon atom from the aldehyde end, and the configuration at C2 determines the stereochemistry of the resulting aldotetrose.

Two D-Aldopentoses Give the Same D-Aldotetrose Upon Ruff Degradation