Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides react in a condensation reaction to form a disaccharide. The functional groups involved in the condensation reaction are two hydroxyl groups, forming an ether linkage or glycosidic bond. The most common disaccharide is sucrose, commonly known as 'table sugar' or simply 'sugar', which is made from one glucose and one fructose molecule.

The properties of disaccharides are very similar to the properties of the monomers that make them. The many polar functional groups allow for strong intermolecular forces, making them solid crystals or powders at room temperature and highly soluble in aqueous solutions.