Metalcarbohydrates

Metalcarbohydrates are a class of chemical compounds that contain both metal ions and carbohydrate molecules. These complexes arise from the interaction between the Lewis acidic metal ion and the Lewis basic oxygen atoms present in the hydroxyl groups and ether linkages of carbohydrates. The formation of metalcarbohydrate complexes can significantly alter the properties of both the metal ion and the carbohydrate.

The nature of the interaction depends on factors such as the type of metal ion, its charge and size, and the structure of the carbohydrate, including the number and arrangement of hydroxyl groups. Monosaccharides like glucose and fructose, as well as disaccharides such as sucrose and lactose, can coordinate with various metal ions, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and heavy metals.

These complexes have found applications in several fields. In medicine, they are explored for their potential therapeutic properties, such as antimicrobial activity or as drug delivery systems. In food science, metalcarbohydrate interactions can influence texture, stability, and nutritional value. They are also relevant in environmental chemistry for metal sequestration and remediation. The study of metalcarbohydrates is an interdisciplinary area drawing from inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.