Chapter 19, Problem 30P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The name and structure of the alditol formed by reduction of ${\text{NaBH}}_{\text{4}}$ D-fructose other than the D-sorbitol should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The sodium borohydride is a reducing agent, so it reduces the functional group present in the carbohydrate and itself get oxidized.

The reduction of aldehyde results in the formation of alcohol because reduction can also be defined as addition of hydrogen atom thus, -CHO group becomes -CH₂ OH after addition of two hydrogen atoms on carbonyl carbon of the aldehydic group.