dextroz

Dextrose is a common term for D-glucose, a simple sugar. It is a carbohydrate and one of the most abundant monosaccharides in nature. Dextrose is an isomer of fructose and is the primary source of energy for many organisms. It is produced commercially from starch, typically corn starch, through a process called hydrolysis. The resulting glucose can then be crystallized or used in liquid form.

In terms of its chemical structure, dextrose is an aldohexose, meaning it contains six carbon atoms and an aldehyde functional group. It exists in both open-chain and cyclic forms, with the cyclic forms, alpha-D-glucopyranose and beta-D-glucopyranose, being more prevalent in solution. The "D" in D-glucose refers to its stereochemical configuration.

Dextrose has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used as a sweetener in food products, contributing a clean, sweet taste. It is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry, often as an excipient in tablets and capsules or as a component in intravenous fluids to provide energy and hydration. In baking, dextrose can improve dough consistency and browning. Industrially, it can be used in fermentation processes to produce various products like ethanol and lactic acid. Its relatively quick absorption makes it a valuable energy source.