What is "sorbose"

n. (context carbohydrate English) The ketohexose ''(3S,4R,5S)-1,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexan-2-one'' used in the production of ascorbic acid

Sorbose is a ketose belonging to the group of sugars known as monosaccharides. It has a sweetness that is equivalent to sucrose (table sugar). The commercial production of vitamin C ( ascorbic acid) often begins with sorbose. L-Sorbose is the configuration of the naturally occurring sugar.