Which of the Following Statements is True of the Hydrolysis

Question

Which of the following statements is true of the hydrolysis of carbohydrates?
A) Carbohydrates do not undergo hydrolysis reactions.
B) The hydrolysis of carbohydrates can only yield polyhydroxyaldehydes.
C) The hydrolysis of carbohydrates can only yield polyhydroxyketones.
D) The hydrolysis of carbohydrates can yield both polyhydroxyaldehydes or polyhydroxyketones.

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates can be hydrolyzed to yield either polyhydroxyaldehydes (if the carbohydrate is an aldose) or polyhydroxyketones (if the carbohydrate is a ketose). Therefore, option D is correct. Option A is incorrect as carbohydrates do undergo hydrolysis reactions. Option B and C are incorrect as the hydrolysis of carbohydrates can yield both polyhydroxyaldehydes or polyhydroxyketones depending on their type.