Melicitose

Melicitose is a trisaccharide, meaning it is composed of three monosaccharide units. Specifically, it is a disaccharide of glucose and fructose, linked to another glucose molecule. Its chemical formula is C18H32O16. Melicitose is found naturally in the honeydew excreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects. This honeydew, when collected by bees, contributes to the unique composition of honeydew honey.

The structure of melicitose is often described as 1,6-α-D-glucopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-fructofuranoside. It is a non-reducing sugar, meaning it does not have a free anomeric carbon that can participate in reduction reactions. This property distinguishes it from many other common sugars.

Melicitose has been identified as a significant component in certain types of honey, particularly those derived from honeydew. Its presence can affect the sweetness and viscosity of the honey. While not as widely known as sucrose or lactose, melicitose is a naturally occurring carbohydrate with specific biological and chemical properties. Its isolation and characterization are of interest in carbohydrate chemistry and food science.