To determine the number of asymmetric carbon atoms in fructose, we will follow these steps:
### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Fructose
Fructose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It has a specific structure that includes a ketone group (C=O) and several hydroxyl groups (-OH).
### Step 2: Identify the Carbon Atoms
In the structure of fructose, we have six carbon atoms. We will label them for clarity:
- Carbon 1 (C1)
- Carbon 2 (C2)
- Carbon 3 (C3)
- Carbon 4 (C4)
- Carbon 5 (C5)
- Carbon 6 (C6)
### Step 3: Determine Asymmetry
A carbon atom is considered asymmetric (or chiral) if it is bonded to four different substituents. We will analyze each carbon atom in fructose:
- **C1**: Attached to -OH, -H, -C2 (next carbon), and -CH2OH. (4 different substituents)
- **C2**: Attached to -OH, -H, -C3, and -C1. (4 different substituents)
- **C3**: Attached to -OH, -H, -C4, and -C2. (4 different substituents)
- **C4**: Attached to -OH, -H, -C5, and -C3. (4 different substituents)
- **C5**: Attached to -OH, -H, -C6, and -C4. (4 different substituents)
- **C6**: Attached to -CH2OH, -H, -C5, and -C1. (4 different substituents)
### Step 4: Count the Asymmetric Carbons
From the analysis:
- C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 are all asymmetric because they are bonded to four different substituents.
- C6 is not asymmetric because it is bonded to two identical substituents (the two hydrogens).
### Conclusion
After analyzing the structure of fructose, we find that there are **3 asymmetric carbon atoms** in fructose.
### Final Answer
The number of asymmetric carbon atoms in fructose is **3**.
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