Write the open-chain structure of a ketotetrose.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that a ketotetrose is a monosaccharide with four carbon atoms (tetrose) and a ketone functional group (keto).

Step 2: Identify the general structure of a ketose, which has a carbonyl group (C=O) on the second carbon atom.

Step 3: Arrange the four carbon atoms in a linear chain, labeling them as C1, C2, C3, and C4.

Step 4: Place the ketone group (C=O) on the second carbon (C2) of the chain.

Step 5: Add hydroxyl groups (OH) to the remaining carbon atoms (C1, C3, and C4) and fill in the remaining valences with hydrogen atoms to complete the structure.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ketotetrose

A ketotetrose is a type of carbohydrate that contains four carbon atoms and a ketone functional group. The general formula for a ketotetrose is C4H8O4. In this structure, one of the carbon atoms is part of a carbonyl group (C=O), which distinguishes it from aldoses, where the carbonyl is at the end of the carbon chain.

Open-chain Structure

The open-chain structure of a carbohydrate refers to its linear form, as opposed to its cyclic form. In the case of ketoses, the open-chain structure includes the carbon backbone with the ketone group typically located at the second carbon atom. This representation is crucial for understanding the reactivity and properties of the sugar.

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry involves the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical behavior. For ketoses like ketotetrose, stereochemistry is important because the arrangement of hydroxyl (–OH) groups around the chiral centers can lead to different isomers, which may have distinct biological functions and properties.

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