Which reagents could be used to convert galactose to galactitol?
I. NaBH₄ / H₂O
II. Tollens' solution (aqueous silver nitrate and ammonia)
III. Benedict's solution (aqueous sodium carbonate, copper(II) sulfate and sodium citrate)
IV. Ni / H₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NaBH4/HSO3 /H2SO4 or Ni/ H2 are commonly used reagents to convert aldehydes or ketones to their corresponding alcohols. Therefore, NaBH4/HSO3 /H2SO4 or Ni/H2 can convert galactose to galactitol. Tollens' solution and Benedict's solution are used to identify reducing sugars by oxidizing them to form carboxylic acids and aldehydes, respectively. They would not directly convert galactose to galactitol. Therefore, options I and III are eliminated.

Which Reagents Could Be Used to Convert Galactose to Galactitol