Question

Mannitol is
a) amino sugar
b) amino alcohol
c) sugar alcohol
d) sugar acid

Answer 1

Hint: Mannitol is an organic compound that is derived from sugar which contains one hydroxyl group which is joined to each carbon atom.

Complete answer:
-Mannitol is a natural occurring sugar alcohol which is found in vegetables and fruits. The main content of mannitol is sugar along with hydroxyl groups that are joined to each carbon.
-Sugar alcohols are organic compounds that are derived from sugar containing one hydroxyl group which is attached to each carbon atom. They are derived from sweet tasting soluble carbohydrates and are white, water soluble solid compounds. They occur naturally and can be synthesized by various methods at industrial level.
-On consumption sugar alcohol gives a sweet taste and contributes fewer calories than other sugars so it is used more in the food industry. Sugar alcohol comes under the class polyols as they contain many hydroxyl groups. Examples include: Mannitol and sorbitol. Mannitol is produced by the hydrogenation of sugars in the presence of spongy nickel catalyst.Mannitol is used as an artificial sweetener for diabetic patients and it is poorly absorbed by the intestine. The patients which suffer from glaucoma, mannitol, are used for them as a medication to decrease the pressure which occurs in the eyes.
-Amino acids: are those which contain compounds which contain amine and carboxyl as functional chains and a side chain which is particular to each amino acid.
-Amino alcohol: consists of both amine and hydroxyl as a function group. They are formed naturally by the reaction between methane ammonia and water in the nitrogen atmosphere.
-Sugar alcohol: are organic compounds that are derived from sugar containing one hydroxyl group which is joined to each carbon atom. One type of sugar alcohol is mannitol.
-Sugar acids: consists of monosaccharide with one carboxyl group attached to one or both ends of its chain.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Mannitol is an organic compound which is manufactured from a sugar. Mannitol can cause some serious side effects like dehydration and Electrolyte problems and make the body weak.