Ribulose

D-Ribulose
IUPAC name (3R,4R)-1,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxypentan-2-one
Other names D-erythro-2-Pentulose Adonose Arabinulose Araboketose Ribosone
Identifiers
CAS number	488-84-6, (D) 2042027-5 (L) 5556-48-9 (DL)
PubChem	151261
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES D: C([C@H]([C@H](C(=O)CO)O)O)O L: OCC([C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)CO)=O
Properties
Molecular formula	C5H10O5
Molar mass	150.13 g mol−1
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Ribulose is a ketopentose — a monosaccharide containing five carbon atoms, and including a ketone functional group. It has chemical formula C₅H₁₀O₅. Two enantiomers are possible, D-ribulose (D-erythro-pentulose) and L-ribulose (L-erythro-pentulose). D-Ribulose is the diastereomer of D-xylulose.

Ribulose sugars are composed in the pentose phosphate pathway. They are important in the formation of many bioactive substances. For example, D-ribulose is an intermediate in the fungal pathway for D-arabitol production. Also, as the 1,5-bisphosphate, D-ribulose combines with carbon dioxide at the start of the photosynthesis process in green plants (carbon dioxide trap).

A synthetic form of ribulose known as sucroribulose is found in many brands of artificial sweeteners.

See also

• Arabinose
• Deoxyribose
• Lyxose
• Ribose
• Xylose
• Xylulose