Chemical Structure

The chemical formula of maltose is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁. Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules joined by an α(1→4) glycosidic bond. Its structure can be represented as:

      CH2OH          CH2OH
       |             |
H     O     H      O     H
 \   /   \  /   \ /   \ /
  C       C       C     C
  |       |       |     |
HO       OH      OH   OH

This structure is crucial for its role in digestion and its importance in brewing and baking processes.