Diose Explained

A diose is a monosaccharide containing two carbon atoms. Because the general chemical formula of an unmodified monosaccharide is (C·H₂O)_n, where n is three or greater, it does not meet the formal definition of a monosaccharide.^[1] However, since it does fit the formula (C·H₂O)_n, it is sometimes thought of as the most basic sugar.^[2]

There is only one possible diose, glycolaldehyde (2-hydroxyethanal), which is an aldodiose (a ketodiose is not possible since there are only two carbons).

See also

• Triose
• Tetrose
• Pentose
• Hexose
• Heptose

References

• Book: Miljkovic . Momcilo . Carbohydrates : synthesis, mechanisms, and stereoelectronic effects . 2009 . Springer . New York, NY . 9780387922652.

Notes and References

1. Book: Mathews, Christopher K.. Biochemistry. Van Holde. Kensal Edward. Ahern. Kevin G.. 2000. Benjamin Cummings. 0805330666. 3rd. San Francisco, Calif.. 280. 42290721.
2. Book: Abderhalden, Emil. Text Book of Physiological Chemistry in Thirty Lectures. Emil Abderhalden. William T. Hall. George Defren. 1908. 1906. J Wiley & Sons. New York. 19. 23 April 2014.