Monosaccharides contain carbonyl group hence are classified, as aldose or ketose. The number of carbon atoms present in the monosaccharide molecule are also considered for classification. In which class of monosaccharide will you place fructose?
When monosaccharides contain an aldehyde group, they are known as aldoses. When containing a ketone group, they are known as ketoses. Monosaccharides are also classified depending on the number of carbon atoms the molecule contains. The molecular formula of fructose is C6H12O6. It also contains a ketone group, hence it is placed in the class of ketohexoses. The structure of fructose is given below.