Question:

Glucose on reduction with $\text{HI}$ and red phosphorus gives}

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Remember that specific reducing agents like HI can reduce aldehydes to form alkanes under certain conditions.
Updated On: May 31, 2026
  • n-Hexane
  • Gluconic acid
  • Sorbitol
  • Saccharic acid
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

Carbohydrates can be reduced to form various products depending on the reducing agent and conditions used. In this case, glucose is being reduced with hydrogen iodide (HI) and red phosphorus.

Step 2: Meaning

Glucose, a six-carbon sugar, can undergo reduction to form different compounds based on the specific reducing agents and reaction conditions. The options provided are n-Hexane, Gluconic acid, Sorbitol, and Saccharic acid.

Step 3: Analysis

1) Gluconic Acid: This is an organic compound derived from glucose through a series of oxidation reactions rather than reduction. 2) Sorbitol: This is a six-carbon alcohol that can be formed by the reduction of glucose under certain conditions, but typically requires different reducing agents like sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride. Red phosphorus and HI are not commonly used for this transformation. 3) Saccharic Acid: This compound is formed through dehydration reactions involving glucose, which is not relevant to the given reaction scenario with reduction by HI and red phosphorus. 4) n-Hexane: This is a six-carbon alkane. The reduction of glucose using HI and red phosphorus typically results in the formation of n-hexane due to the presence of HI acting as an effective reducing agent that can reduce aldehydes (like glucose) to form alkanes. The reaction mechanism involves the reduction of the aldehyde group in glucose by HI, followed by the action of red phosphorus to complete the reduction process. The result is the formation of n-hexane.

Step 4: Conclusion

Given the reducing agents and conditions specified, the correct product formed from the reduction of glucose is n-Hexane. Final Answer: (A)
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