Low-energy electron-induced reactions in thin films of glucose and N-acetyl-glucosamine

► Low-energy electron-induced reactions in glucose and N-acetylglucosamine. ► Thin films of saccharides are monitored by HREELS. ► Electron exposure in the absence of O2 induces reduction of the saccharides. ► Reactions are different below and above the ionisation threshold of the molecules. ► Electron exposure in the presence of O2 induces oxidation of glucose.