August 22, 2025 | UR Gate
Fructose (C6H12O6) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Explore Fructose (C6H12O6), a simple sugar. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its biological role as a primary energy source in fruits and honey.
What is Fructose (C6H12O6)?
Fructose, also known as fruit sugar, is a simple ketose monosaccharide and one of the most widely occurring carbohydrates in nature. It is found abundantly in fruits, honey, and some vegetables, contributing to their characteristic sweetness. Fructose is a key component of sucrose (table sugar) and is metabolized differently in the body compared to glucose, primarily in the liver. Its simple structure, a six-carbon chain with a ketone group, allows it to exist in various cyclic forms, which are important for its chemical properties and biological roles, including being a primary energy source for cells.
Properties of Fructose (C6H12O6)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 180.16 g/mol |
| Density | 1.695 g/cm³ (at 20°C) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes upon heating (around 180°C) |
| Melting Point | 103–105 °C (for crystalline anhydrous D-fructose) |
| Hybridization | Carbons in the open-chain form are primarily sp³ hybridized; cyclic forms involve sp³ and sp² hybridization. |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
Nomenclature of Fructose
- Common name: Fructose, Fruit Sugar
- IUPAC name: (3S,4S,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxyhexanal (open-chain form), or for its cyclic forms, like β-D-fructofuranose
Synonyms
- Levulose
- D-Fructose
- D-(-)-Fructose
- D-Fructopyranose
- D-Fructofuranose
- Fruit sugar
- C₆H₁₂O₆
