Sorbose is a ketose belonging to the group of sugars known as monosaccharides. It has a sweetness that is equivalent to sucrose (table sugar). The commercial production of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) often begins with sorbose. L-Sorbose is the configuration of the naturally occurring sugar. It can be prepared from inexpensive O-benzylglucose.
Synthesis
Under conditions employed for a Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction, the tetra-O-benzyl aldose converts to tetra-O-benzylsorbose. Hydrogenolysis removes the four benzyl groups, leaving sorbose.
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