Q.13.71 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

D-Sorbitol, a sweetener found in seaweed and berries, contains only hydroxyl functional groups. When D-sorbitol is oxidized, it forms D-glucose. Draw the Fischer projection for D-sorbitol. $(13.3,13.5)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Sorbitol is a glucose-reduced sugar alcohol that is slowly metabolised. 

Step 1: Introduction

Sorbitol dehydrogenase completes the polyol pathway by oxidising sorbitol to fructose. Sorbitol is difficult to distribute across cell membranes and can induce osmotic damage. In the pathogenesis of diabetes-related vascular problems, sorbitol metabolism is crucial. 

Step 2: Draw the Fischer projection for D-sorbitol

• D-Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used to replace sugar. It may be found in nature as well as synthesized from glucose. 
• D-sorbitol is a sweetener, humectant, emulsifier, thickening, or nutritional supplement that is used in the food business. 
• Cosmetics, paper, and medications have all been shown to contain D-Sorbitol. 
• D-sorbitol is found in a wide range of plants, from algae to higher order fruits of the Rosaceae family, where it is produced naturally by photosynthesis.