Question

Which of the following compounds have the same degree of reduction per carbon-mole?

• A. Glucose
• B. Lactic acid
• C. Acetic acid
• D. Formic acid

Hint:

Compounds with more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glucose, lactic acid) typically have a higher degree of reduction compared to compounds with more oxidized functional groups like carboxyl groups (e.g., acetic acid, formic acid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

Step 1: Understand the concept of the degree of reduction.
The degree of reduction per carbon-mole refers to the number of electrons a molecule has gained or lost relative to its oxidized form. A more reduced molecule has a higher number of electrons associated with it. In organic compounds, this is often linked to the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon and the absence of oxygen bonds.

Step 2: Analyze each option.
Glucose (A): A six-carbon carbohydrate containing multiple hydroxyl groups and one aldehyde group. Despite being a carbohydrate, its overall oxidation state is moderate.
Lactic acid (B): Contains a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. It is partially oxidized but still retains some reducing power.
Acetic acid (C): A two-carbon molecule with a methyl group and a carboxylic acid group. Each carbon's oxidation state is fairly similar to those in lactic acid, making their reduction degrees comparable.
Formic acid (D): The simplest carboxylic acid with one carbon. This carbon is highly oxidized due to its bonding to two oxygen atoms, making its degree of reduction significantly lower.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Glucose, lactic acid, and acetic acid share a similar degree of reduction per carbon-mole. Formic acid is more oxidized and does not match the others in reduction degree.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is \( \boxed{(A), (B), (C)} \).