Maltose on hydrolysis gives
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → two units of α- D- Glucose
Disaccharides are made of two monosaccharide units joined by a glycosidic linkage. On hydrolysis (with dilute acid or an enzyme) the linkage breaks and the two units are released. The three common disaccharides are:
Sucrose: α-D-glucose + β-D-fructose, linked C1–C2.
Maltose: two α-D-glucose units, linked C1–C4.
Lactose: β-D-galactose + β-D-glucose, linked C1–C4.
\( \displaystyle \ce{C12H22O11 + H2O} \xrightarrow{\ce{H+}\text{ or maltase}} \ce{2C6H12O6} \) (α-D-glucose)
So maltose on hydrolysis gives two units of α-D-glucose.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) two units of β- D- Glucose — Incorrect. Two β-D-glucose units joined C1–C4 make up cellobiose, the repeating unit of cellulose.
Option (3) one unit of α- D- Glucose and one unit of β- D- Glucose — Incorrect. No common disaccharide has this pair; lactose contains β-D-glucose with β-D-galactose.
Option (4) one unit of α- D- Glucose and one unit of β- D- Fructose — Incorrect. These are the units of sucrose.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Maltose
