Maltose is a disaccharide - formula C12H22O11 - consisting of two glucose units (12 carbon atoms, and 2 ring-shaped structures, each containing an oxygen atom).
The two sugars are linked via a glycosidic bond - an alpha 1-4 bond between opposite ends of the 2 glucose molecules. This bond - effectively an oxygen bridge - is formed as a result of a condensation reaction. |