Glucose overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is CHO—(CHOH)₄—CH₂OH. The open-chain glucose connectivity contains one aldehyde and five alcohol oxygens; every oxygen carries two lone pairs.
How to draw C₆H₁₂O₆
- Count 72 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity CHO—(CHOH)₄—CH₂OH. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. The open-chain glucose connectivity contains one aldehyde and five alcohol oxygens; every oxygen carries two lone pairs.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Mixed local geometries.
Why this example matters
The open-chain glucose connectivity contains one aldehyde and five alcohol oxygens; every oxygen carries two lone pairs.
Scope and model limits
Glucose exists mainly as cyclic hemiacetal forms in water and has defined stereochemistry. The page uses an open-chain connectivity summary and does not identify every stereocenter.
Common mistakes
- Using 48 instead of 72 valence electrons
- Treating the molecular formula as a unique flat structure
- Omitting cyclic forms and stereochemistry from the scope note
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.