A diose is a monosaccharide containing two carbon atoms. Because the general chemical formula of an unmodified monosaccharide is (C·H₂O)_n, where n is three or greater, it does not meet the formal definition of a monosaccharide.^[1] However, since it does fit the formula (C·H₂O)_n, it is sometimes thought of as the most basic sugar.^[2]

There is only one possible diose, glycolaldehyde (2-hydroxyethanal), which is an aldodiose (a ketodiose is not possible since there are only two carbons).

1. ^ Mathews, Christopher K.; Van Holde, Kensal Edward; Ahern, Kevin G. (2000). Biochemistry (3rd ed.). San Francisco, Calif.: Benjamin Cummings. p. 280. ISBN 0805330666. OCLC 42290721.
2. ^ Abderhalden, Emil (1908) [1906]. Text Book of Physiological Chemistry in Thirty Lectures. Translated by William T. Hall; George Defren. New York: J Wiley & Sons. p. 19. Retrieved 23 April 2014.

• Miljkovic, Momcilo (2009). Carbohydrates : synthesis, mechanisms, and stereoelectronic effects. New York, NY: Springer. ISBN 9780387922652.

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