glycolaldehyde
Sign in to saveGlycolaldehyde is the organic compound with the formula . It is the smallest possible molecule that contains both an aldehyde group () and a hydroxyl group (). It is a highly reactive molecule that occurs both in the biosphere and in the interstellar medium. It is normally supplied as a white solid. Although it conforms to the general formula for carbohydrates, , it is not generally considered to be a saccharide.
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Structure
- Synthesis
- Biosynthesis
- Role in formose reaction
- Theorized role in abiogenesis
- Formation in space
- Detection in space
- References
- External links
Glycolaldehyde is the organic compound with the formula . It is the smallest possible molecule that contains both an aldehyde group () and a hydroxyl group (). It is a highly reactive molecule that occurs both in the biosphere and in the interstellar medium. It is normally supplied as a white solid. Although it conforms to the general formula for carbohydrates, {{chem2|C_{n}(H2O)_{n} }}, it is not generally considered to be a saccharide.
==Structure== Glycolaldehyde as a gas is a simple monomeric structure. As a solid and molten liquid, it exists as a dimer. Collins and George reported the equilibrium of glycolaldehyde in water by using NMR. In aqueous solution, it exists as a mixture of at least four species, which rapidly interconvert. thumb|380px|center|Structures and distribution of glycolaldehyde as a 20% solution in water. Notice that the free aldehyde is a minor component.