Question

What is the molecular formula of glyceraldehyde?

• A. C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_8\)
• B. C\(_4\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\)
• C. C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\)
• D. C\(_2\)O\(_2\)H\(_2\)

Hint:

Glyceraldehyde is a simple monosaccharide with three carbon atoms and the molecular formula C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identifying glyceraldehyde.
Glyceraldehyde is an aldose, a type of monosaccharide with the molecular formula C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\). It is a simple sugar with a three-carbon backbone.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_8\): This is incorrect as it does not match the molecular formula of glyceraldehyde.
(B) C\(_4\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\): This is incorrect as glyceraldehyde has three carbon atoms, not four.
(C) C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\): Correct — This is the molecular formula of glyceraldehyde.
(D) C\(_2\)O\(_2\)H\(_2\): This is incorrect as it does not correspond to the structure of glyceraldehyde.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) C\(_3\)O\(_3\)H\(_6\), which is the molecular formula of glyceraldehyde.