> > So what's the difference between C6H8O6 (an aromatic) and C6H8O7 then, the latter of which is
> > CH2COOH-C(OH)COOH-CH2COOH ? :-) I know what they *are*; I have just never referenced what the difference in their metabolic properties is supposed to be. In fact, I think I went through my entire college Chemistry curricula without realizing there was a difference... *sigh*

> > Both are also respectively known as 3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone (enol form), and 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid. Good gosh, I cannot stand extended nomenclature like this. Animals like rats, those ultralucky critters, have no problem synthesizing these compounds in their own bodies -- but *we* have to make sure to take them as nutritional supplements, gah.

> I have no idea. I've been through high school level organic chemistry, and have taken, so far, exactly one university level chemistry course, which is /not/ in organic chemistry. Hopefully someone else knows...
>
> -SB

I looked at this again and realized that I /almost/ know what you're talking about. It's almost funny, actually, that I referred to the same compound as you without knowing about it.

3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone (enol form), C6H8O6, is the stuff that I termed "ascorbic acid". Most people call it "vitamin C". It's good for you. It prevents scurvy. If you want to know about how it works in human metabolism, just read the back of a bottle of vitamins tablets!

2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, C6H8O7, is called "citronsyre", but I have no idea what it's good for. I looked it up on the web. Apparently yahoo!, altavista, and Jeeves don't know what it's good for either -- at least, not in English.

-Space "Eat your vegetables! You need to get your 3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone (enol form)!" Bar