Ketoses configurational prefixes

For 2-ketoses, configurational prefixes are given in the same way as for aldoses (see 2-Carb-8.2 and 2-Carb-8.3). 

Note 2. Since all aldoses up to the hexoses have trivial names that are preferred, the systematic names apply only to the higher aldoses. However, the configurational prefixes are also used to name ketoses (see below) and other monosaccharides. 

The trivial names of the aldoses can be used as prefixes to determine the stereochemistry for other chiral compounds. However, in this case, the -ose suffix is omitted and the prefix is written in italics (Figure 2.8). In this respect, it should be mentioned that the chiral centers can be separated by one or more nonchiral centers. If the number of chiral centers exceeds four (e.g., in heptose, octose, nonose, etc. derivatives), a multiple configurational prefix is added to the stem name (Figure 2.9). In this case, the first four chiral centers are selected, followed by the remaining ones. However, the name of the compound starts with the prefix of the chiral center with the highest location. In the case of ketoses, if the carbonyl group is not at C-2, then its location should also be given in the name. 

All carbohydrates can exist in either of these two forms and the prefix of D or L only refers to the configuration around the highest numbered asymmetric carbon atom. Enantiomers have the same name (e.g. D-glucose and L-glucose) and are chemically similar compounds but have different optical properties. The majority of naturally occurring monosaccharides, whether they be aldoses or ketoses, are of the D configuration. 

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