
Why is maltose a reducing sugar?
Answer
430.2k+ views
Hint: Reducing sugars is the one that can reduce Fehling’s test and Tollens reagent. They should have at least one free aldehyde group or ketone group in the structure. Maltose has one free aldehyde group; the other is used up in the formation of glycosidic linkage between the two glucose units which make up maltose.
Complete answer:
Reducing sugars are the type of sugar that acts as the reducing agent and can effectively donate electrons to some other molecule by oxidizing it is called reducing sugar. These sugars tend to act as the reducing agent since they bear either free aldehyde group or ketone group . Examples are glucose, fructose, glyceraldehyde, etc. Reducing sugars can reduce cupric ions of benedict solution or Fehling solution to cuprous ions.
Maltose, also known as maltose or malt sugar, is a disaccharide formed from two units of glucose joined with a bond. It falls under oligosaccharides. Glucose is a hexose: a monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms. The two glucose units are in the pyranose form are joined by an O-glycosidic bond, with the first carbon of the first glucose linked to the fourth carbon of the second glucose, indicated as . In the structure of maltose, carbon number one of the first glucose ring has a free aldehyde group which can reduce Fehling’s solution and Tollens reagent. Because of this maltose is a reducing sugar.
Maltose can be broken down to glucose by the maltase enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond. It has a sweet taste.
Note:
Maltose is extensively used in alcohol production. Free maltose as well as maltose formed by the digestion of starch in the mouth, can cause dental caries. It lacks sweetness and is not used as a sweetener. Instead, it is used in the malting of barley for the manufacturing of beer.
Complete answer:
Reducing sugars are the type of sugar that acts as the reducing agent and can effectively donate electrons to some other molecule by oxidizing it is called reducing sugar. These sugars tend to act as the reducing agent since they bear either free aldehyde group
Maltose, also known as maltose or malt sugar, is a disaccharide formed from two units of glucose joined with a
Maltose can be broken down to glucose by the maltase enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond. It has a sweet taste.
Note:
Maltose is extensively used in alcohol production. Free maltose as well as maltose formed by the digestion of starch in the mouth, can cause dental caries. It lacks sweetness and is not used as a sweetener. Instead, it is used in the malting of barley for the manufacturing of beer.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
The flightless birds Rhea Kiwi and Emu respectively class 11 biology CBSE

1 litre is equivalent to A 1000mL B 100cm3 C 10mL D class 11 physics CBSE

A car travels 100 km at a speed of 60 kmh and returns class 11 physics CBSE

Name the Largest and the Smallest Cell in the Human Body ?

Explain zero factorial class 11 maths CBSE

In tea plantations and hedge making gardeners trim class 11 biology CBSE
