Difference Between Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugars
The difference between reducing and non reducing sugars are as follows:
Characteristic | Reducing Sugars | Non-Reducing Sugars |
---|---|---|
Definition | Capable of reducing other substances by donating electrons. | Lacks the ability to donate electrons in redox reactions. |
Functional Group | Contains a free aldehyde or ketone group. | Carbonyl group is involved in a glycosidic linkage. |
Examples | Glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, etc. | Sucrose (table sugar), trehalose, etc. |
Fehling’s Solution Reaction | Reduces copper ion in Fehling’s Reaction. | Does not react in Fehling’s Reaction. |
Benedict’s Solution Reaction |
Reduces copper ions in Benedict’s solution |
Does not react with Benedict’s solution. |
Color Change (Positive Test) |
Forms a colored precipitate (orange/red). |
No color change observed |
Oxidation Susceptibility |
Can be oxidized |
Cannot be oxidized |
Barfoed’s Test |
Positive result indicates reducing sugars |
May give a slower positive result for disaccharides compared to monosaccharides |
Chemical Structure |
Contains a free aldehyde or ketone group. |
Lacks a free aldehyde or ketone group. |
Glycosidic Linkage | Does not have a glycosidic linkage between the monosaccharide units. | Has a glycosidic linkage between the monosaccharide units. |
Role in Laboratory Tests | Shows a positive result in tests for reducing sugars. | Does not show a positive result in tests for reducing sugars. |
Participation in Maillard Reaction |
Participate in the Maillard reaction, contributing to browning and flavor development in cooked food. |
Do not participate in the Maillard reaction due to the absence of free reducing ends. |
Reducing vs Non-reducing Sugar
Reducing and non-reducing sugars are two categories of carbohydrates distinguished by their ability to undergo chemical reactions with other substances. Reducing sugars, like glucose and fructose, possess free aldehyde or ketone groups that enable them to undergo chemical reactions. In contrast, non-reducing sugars lack these groups and remain inert to such reactions. In this article, we will learn about reducing and non-reducing sugar, their examples, reactions, and differences.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugars
- Definition of Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugar
- What is Reducing Sugar?
- What is Non-Reducing Sugar?
- Characteristics of Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugars
- Test For Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugar
- Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugar Examples
- Functions of Reducing and Non- Reducing Sugars
- Importance of Reducing and Non-Reducing Sugar