Of the various OH groups in the following carbohydrate, how many are part of hemiacetal functional groups?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Question

Of the various OH groups in the following carbohydrate, how many are part of hemiacetal functional groups? 
A) 0 
B) 1 
C) 2 
D) 3

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemiacetals are formed when a carbonyl group reacts with an alcohol group. In the given carbohydrate molecule, only one OH group is part of a hemiacetal functional group, which is the one on the anomeric carbon (the carbon that is attached to two oxygen atoms). The rest of the OH groups are either part of an ether linkage or are free OH groups.

Of the Various OH Groups in the Following Carbohydrate, How