Q.30 D, L series of saccharides
Let's examine the configuration of the trihydroxyglutaric acid; HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)CH(OH)COOH. The ligands of C-3 are OH, CH(OH)COOH, CH(OH)COOH and H. When two CH(OH)COOH are the same (both R, or, both S), is C-3 asymmetric ?