Careful oxidation of sucrose with nitric acid yields

Options

A. oxalic acid
B. glucaric acid
C. tartaric acid
D. any of these depending on the conditions

Answer

D

Explanation

Oxidation of sucrose with nitric acid under different conditions gives either oxalic acid, (80%), tartaric acid `(40%)` or glucaric acid `(30%)`. Controlled oxidation of sucrose in alkaline solution with air gives D-arabonic acid. Hydrogenation with sucrose under controlled conditions gives a mixture of mannitol and sorbitol, which may be separated by fractional crystalisation.