The carbohydrate forms a very large group of compounds of enormous theoretical and practical importance, both from the qualitative and quantitative point of view. Research on these compounds have under gone an immense revitalization during the last so many years and is continued to expand very rapidly. As a result of many new developments, this field is now broad in scope and rich in variety, touching on virtually all aspects of chemistry. The study of carbohydrate and their derivatives have enriched our knowledge of chemistry, specially as to the role of molecular shape and conformation in chemical reaction. It has led to the discovery of new bio-synthetic reaction significantly to the understanding of many fundamental biological processes such as the interaction of cell with their environment. Moreover, it has provided a basis for the recognition of the enzymatic defects of several genetic disorder and has raised hopes that it may be possible to treat them effectively.
