Question

Why are(±)-glucose and (-)-glucose both classified as D sugar​

Answer 1

See explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

We must remember that the D / L nomenclature refers to the orientation of the hydroxyl group on carbon 5. If the "OH" is on the right we will have a D configuration. Yes, the "OH" is on the left we will have an L configuration. (See figure 1)

Now, the orientation of this "OH" has nothing to do with the ability of the molecule to deflect polarized light. If the molecule deflects light to the left we will have the symbol "(-)" (levorotation) if the molecule deflects light to the right we will have the symbol "(+)" (dextrorotation).

So in the "D" configuration, we can have both a right (+) and a left (-) deviation.

I hope it helps!