Oxidation of Optically Active D-Erythrose with Nitric Acid Produces Optically

question 18

True/False

Oxidation of optically active D-erythrose with nitric acid produces optically inactive meso-tartaric acid (below). The structure of D-erythrose is shown below.

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Definitions:

Increasing Acidity

Increasing acidity refers to the phenomenon where the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration increases, making a solution more acidic.

Conjugate Base

The species formed after an acid donates a proton, characterized by its ability to accept a proton.

Stable

Referring to a chemical compound that does not easily decompose or change into other compounds under normal conditions.

HF

Commonly refers to hydrofluoric acid, a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water that is a highly corrosive acid.