Question:

What are reducing sugars?

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Free anomeric OH = Reducing sugar. Locked anomeric carbon (as in sucrose) = Non-reducing sugar.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Sugars are classified based on their ability to reduce mild oxidizing agents.

Step 2: Definition
Reducing sugars are those carbohydrates that can reduce mild oxidizing agents such as Tollen's reagent (ammoniacal $AgNO_3$) and Fehling's solution (alkaline $CuSO_4$). They must have a free anomeric carbon with a free $-$OH group (hemiacetal or hemiketal) that can open to regenerate the free aldehyde or ketone group.

Step 3: Examples
All monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) are reducing sugars. Among disaccharides, maltose and lactose are reducing sugars (they have a free anomeric carbon). Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar.

Final Answer: Reducing sugars are carbohydrates that can reduce Tollen's reagent and Fehling's solution. They possess a free anomeric $-$OH group capable of opening to give a free $-$CHO or $-$CO group. Examples: glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose.
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