Gas–liquid chromatographic analysis of the trimethylsilyl ethers of the ethanol (90%)-extracted carbohydrates (soluble carbohydrates) from soybean (Glycine max) plants demonstrated the presence of major quantities of O-methylinositol, glucose, fructose, and sucrose, minor quantities of myo-inositol, and two unidentified components. In leaf blades and petioles of 6-vveek-old plants, O-methylinositol accounted for more than 50% of the total soluble carbohydrates present.