Question

Glucose upon treatment with nitric acid yields

• A. Gluconic acid
• B. Glucaric acid
• C. Glucitol
• D. Heptanoic acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the product of glucose upon treatment with nitric acid, we need to understand the chemical reaction involved. When glucose is oxidized by nitric acid, a compound known as dicarboxylic acid is produced.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Reaction Overview: Glucose is a monosaccharide with the chemical formula \( C_6H_{12}O_6 \). When it is treated with an oxidizing agent like nitric acid (\( HNO_3 \)), both the aldehyde group (at C-1) and the primary alcohol group (at C-6) are oxidized to carboxylic acids.
2. Formation of Glucaric Acid: The oxidation results in the formation of glucaric acid, also known as saccharic acid. Both ends of the glucose molecule are transformed into carboxylic acid groups (\( -COOH \)).
3. Elimination of Other Options:
   • Gluconic Acid: Produced when only the aldehyde group is oxidized to a carboxylic acid, but not the primary alcohol.
   • Glucitol: Also known as sorbitol, it is formed by the reduction (not oxidation) of glucose.
   • Heptanoic Acid: This is a fatty acid that is not related to the oxidation of glucose.
4. Conclusion: The correct answer is Glucaric Acid because it is the product formed by the oxidation of glucose with nitric acid, converting both the aldehyde group and the primary alcohol group to carboxylic acid groups.