Lyxose is a rare sugar found in nature and its synonyms include L-lyxose, (2R,3S,4S)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal, and 3,4-dideoxy-5-hydroxypentose. This sugar is often used in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides. Its derivatives are also used in the treatment of various diseases. The chemical formula for lyxose is C5H10O5. Lyxose has a sweet taste and is easily synthesized in the laboratory from glucose or arabinose. Other synonyms for lyxose include D-lyxose, pentulose, and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal. Its use in the food industry is limited because it is not easily digested by humans and animals.