6.5 D, L nomenclature of sugars

6.5 D, L nomenclature of sugars

Sugars are generally classified into two families, D-series and L-series. If the configuration of the asymmetric carbon atom furthest from the carbonyl carbon atom is similar to that of D-glyceraldehyde, the compound will belong to the D-series. If similar to that of L-glyceraldehyde, the compound will belong to the L-series. This method has some practical value since most of naturally occurring sugars belong to D-series.