The Reference Compound for Naming D and L Isomers of Sugars

Question

The reference compound for naming D and L isomers of sugars is:
A) fructose.
B) glucose.
C) glyceraldehyde.
D) ribose.
E) sucrose.

Accepted Answer

Glyceraldehyde is the reference compound for naming D and L isomers of sugars. This is because it is the simplest carbohydrate with a chiral center, and its two stereoisomers are designated as D-glyceraldehyde and L-glyceraldehyde. Other sugars are classified as D or L based on their similarity to the D or L configuration of glyceraldehyde.