Question

Identify the product Y in the following reaction: \[ \text{Maltose} \xrightarrow{\text{Hydrolysis}} X \xrightarrow{\text{dil.HNO}_3 (\text{excess})} Y \]

• A. Gluconic acid
• B. Saccharic acid
• C. n-Hexane
• D. Glucoxime

Hint:

Oxidation of glucose with excess nitric acid leads to the formation of saccharic acid, a dicarboxylic acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Reaction.
Maltose, when hydrolyzed, breaks down into two glucose molecules. Upon reaction with excess dilute nitric acid (HNO\(_3\)), it undergoes oxidation to form saccharic acid (also known as glucaric acid), which is a dicarboxylic acid. This oxidation involves the conversion of the aldehyde group in glucose to a carboxylic acid group.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Gluconic acid: Incorrect. Gluconic acid is obtained by the oxidation of glucose at the aldehyde group, but here the reaction leads to the formation of saccharic acid.
(B) Saccharic acid: Correct. Saccharic acid (glucaric acid) is formed by the oxidation of glucose, and this is the product formed in the given reaction.
(C) n-Hexane: Incorrect. This is an alkane, which is not related to the reaction described here.
(D) Glucoxime: Incorrect. Glucoxime is a derivative of glucose formed by reacting glucose with hydroxylamine, not nitric acid.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct product formed is Saccharic acid, corresponding to option (B).