Glycolaldehyde


![Sugar molecules in the gas surrounding a young Sun-like star.[12]](/uploads/202501/15/Sugar_molecules_in_the_gas_surrounding_a_young_Sun-like_star0025.jpg)
Glycolaldehyde is the organic compound with the formula HOCH2-CHO. It is the smallest possible molecule that contains both an aldehyde group and a hydroxyl group. It is a highly reactive molecule that occurs both in the biosphere and in the interstellar medium. It is normally supplied as a white solid.