Sorbose is a ketose belonging to the group of sugars known as monosaccharides.

It has a sweetness that is equivalent to sucrose (table sugar).

[1] The commercial production of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) often begins with sorbose.

Under conditions employed for a Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction, the tetra-O-benzyl aldose converts to tetra-O-benzylsorbose.

Hydrogenolysis removes the four benzyl groups, leaving sorbose.