Question

The degree of reduction of lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) is _________.

Hint:

Degree of reduction compares the electron richness of a compound and is computed using $4C + H - 2O$ for biomolecules.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4

Degree of reduction is calculated using:
\[ \gamma = 4C + H - 2O \]
For lactic acid C\textsubscript{3}H\textsubscript{6}O\textsubscript{3}:
C = 3,\; H = 6,\; O = 3
[4pt] \[ \gamma = 4(3) + 6 - 2(3) \]
\[ \gamma = 12 + 6 - 6 = 12 \]
Degree of reduction per mole is 12.
[4pt] Degree of reduction per carbon atom = \( \frac{12}{3} = 4 \).
[6pt] Thus, the degree of reduction is:
\[ \boxed{4} \]