MCQ Detailed View

Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is the simplest aldehyde in organic chemistry. When formaldehyde undergoes condensation in the presence of a base, such as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), it reacts to form a complex mixture of sugars through a process called the Formose reaction.

In the Formose reaction, formaldehyde molecules combine to form simple sugars (aldoses) like glycolaldehyde, glyceraldehyde, and tetroses. The reaction starts with formaldehyde condensation to form a two-carbon compound (glycolaldehyde). This intermediate undergoes further condensation and rearrangement to produce sugars containing three or more carbon atoms. Calcium hydroxide acts as a basic catalyst, facilitating the aldol-type condensation by providing hydroxide ions that deprotonate intermediates and allow the reaction to proceed.

This reaction is historically important because it shows how simple molecules like formaldehyde can give rise to biologically important sugars. The product of formaldehyde condensation under these conditions is collectively called Formose. It is not a single sugar like fructose, maltose, or xylose but a mixture of sugars formed in situ.

Understanding the Formose reaction is fundamental in organic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, and prebiotic chemistry. It demonstrates basic principles of aldehyde condensation, base catalysis, and the formation of biologically relevant compounds from simple molecules.

In summary, when formaldehyde condenses in the presence of calcium hydroxide, the reaction produces a mixture of sugars known as Formose, making it a classic example of base-catalyzed aldol condensation in organic chemistry.