D-Ribulose | |
---|---|
(3R,4R)-1,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxypentan-2-one |
|
Other names
D-erythro-2-Pentulose |
|
Identifiers | |
CAS number | 488-84-6, (D) 2042027-5 (L) 5556-48-9 (DL) |
PubChem | 151261 |
Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
|
|
Properties | |
Molecular formula | C5H10O5 |
Molar mass | 150.13 g mol−1 |
(verify) (what is: / ?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
|
Infobox references |
Ribulose is a ketopentose — a monosaccharide containing five carbon atoms, and including a ketone functional group. It has chemical formula C5H10O5. Two enantiomers are possible, D-ribulose (D-erythro-pentulose) and L-ribulose (L-erythro-pentulose). D-Ribulose is the diastereomer of D-xylulose.
Ribulose sugars are composed in the pentose phosphate pathway. They are important in the formation of many bioactive substances. For example, D-ribulose is an intermediate in the fungal pathway for D-arabitol production. Also, as the 1,5-bisphosphate, D-ribulose combines with carbon dioxide at the start of the photosynthesis process in green plants (carbon dioxide trap).
A synthetic form of ribulose known as sucroribulose is found in many brands of artificial sweeteners.
|