Derivatives of Carbohydrates

Organic compound which comprises carbon, hydrogen and oxygen is carbohydrate. It has hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio 2:1. Carbohydrate derivatives can be formed by reduction. When one molecule of oxygen is less then it is referred as deoxycarbohydrate. The genetic component is made of deoxycarbohydrate sugar called deoxyribose. It is entirely different from D ribose in its structure. In D ribose one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by a hydrogen atom instead of oxygen atom. A derivative of carbohydrate is clearly projected by Haworth.

Sugar alcohol

Hydrogenated carbohydrate for instance sugar alcohol is a derivative of carbohydrate. Carbonyl group of carbohydrate is reduced to hydroxyl group of either primary or secondary structure. They are commonly used as table sugar as replacement of sucrose. Their calorie content is less when compared to sucrose.  It is often mixed with artificial sweeteners to reduce its sweetness. Unlike sucrose they do not cause any tooth decay. In addition they cause cooling effect inside the mouth. Sugar alcohols can be formed either from monosaccharides or disaccharides. Most of the sugar alcohols are made from disaccharides. They reduce only one aldehyde group and are not hydrogenated fully.

Sugar alcohol is partially absorbed by the small intenstine and is excreted in the urine. As they are not completely absorbed, blood glucose does not increase. The low carbohydrate diet becomes favor for diabetic patient.

Sorbitol

It is a type of sugar alcohol also known as glucitol. When glucose is reduced by the addition of hydroxyl group metabolism of aldehyde group ultimately changes. It is used as substitute for sugar. It provides nutritive supply and energy. It is used as laxative, in the preparation of cough syrups, elimination of excess potassium ions; distinguish bacterial cells, thickener in cosmetics, humectants in cookies, manufacture of surimi, toothpaste and mouthwash.

Sugar amine

When hydroxyl group of carbohydrate is replaced by an amine group it is referred as sugar amine. For instance glucosamine is sugar amine. It acts as a precursor in the synthesis of proteins and lipids. In general it is found in fungal cell wall like Aspergillus niger, animal bones, crustaceans and arthropods exoskeletons. When grains like corn or wheat is fermented or crustacean’s exoskeletons are hydrolyzed glucosamine is produced. It is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and restoring articular cartilage.

Sugar acid

When a hydroxyl group of carbohydrate is replaced by carboxyl group it is referred as sugar acid. Gluconic acid is oxidized in first carbon of glucose. It is used as food additive for regulating acid activity as it occurs in honey, wine and fruits. It helps in dissolving mineral deposits and hence it is used in cleaning products. It heals burns, necrosis of deep tissues, in treatment of malaria and anemia. Derivative of Gluconic acid is ascorbic acid. It has antioxidant property. One such form of ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. L- enantiomer of ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. As it is easily oxidized it helps in developing photographic solution and also as a preservative.