Glucose (also known as dextrose) is a monosaccharide - formula C6H12O6.
It is an example of a 6-carbon (hexose) sugar. Notice the 6 carbon atoms (grey) forming the backbone of the molecule, and the oxygen atom (red) in the ring. The hydrogen atoms (white) are either attached directly to the carbons, or via oxygen as OH groups - at an angle. The ring itself is 6-sided, but only 5 of its corners are made up by carbon atoms. Only the carbon outside the ring ( number 6) has 2 single hydrogens and an OH group. Mouse and movement options Colours explained |