There is Chemistry Here: Supermarket. Part III: Carbohydrates

Abstract

This article documented general aspects of the manufacture, composition, consumption and applications of carbohydrates in supermarkets. Carbohydrates have been known to mankind since prehistoric times and represent a family of abundant and easily accessible polyfunctional natural compounds. They can be manipulated by chemical, enzymatic or microbiological pathways. Its chemical value lies in its simple structures with the presence of several hydroxyl groups and well-established chirality. They are compounds abundant in nature and essential as foods for humanity acting as sweeteners added to processed foods and beverages. They are ideal as starting materials in the synthesis of several new compounds and complex natural products with multiple chiral centers. The renewable and interdisciplinary nature of carbohydrates is very relevant for the development of new polymeric and pharmaceutical products. The importance of this compost family could not fail to be present in many products sold in supermarkets available to the consuming public. Most are present as non-caloric sweeteners, food and energy sources, but they are also used as additives that give different properties to food formulations. This article aims to show the participation of carbohydrates in products that are sold in supermarkets and the context of their production and chemical properties.