Isomerizations, monosaccharides enediol

The reversible reactions are initiated by an equilibrium between neutral and ionized forms of the monosaccharides (see Fig. 6). The oxyanion at the anomeric carbon weakens the ring C-O bond and allows mutarotation and isomerization via an acyclic enediol intermediate. This reaction is responsible for the sometimes reported occurrence of D-mannose in alkaline mixtures of sucrose and invert sugar, the three reducing sugars are in equilibrium via the enediol intermediate. The mechanism of isomerization, known as the Lobry de Bruyn-... 

In the second place, oxidation by Fehling s or Tollens reagent cannot be used for the preparation of aldonic acids (monocarboxylic acids) from aldoses. Both Fehling s and Tollens reagents are alkaline reagents, and the treatment of sugars with alkali can cause extensive isomerization and even decomposition of the chain. Alkali exerts this effect, in part at least, by establishing an equilibrium between the monosaccharide and an enediol structure. 

FIGURE 22.5 Monosaccharides undergo isomerizations via enolates and enediols when placed in aqueous base. Here we show how o-glucose isomerizes to o-mannose and to D-fructose. 

---