Question

What role do electrons play in dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Short answer

The electrons play an important role in dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis by breaking and forming covalent bonds.

Step-by-step solution

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis means adding the water molecule to the macromolecule or polymer to break it down into simpler forms called monomers. Here since the bonds are broken, there is the release of energy takes place.

Dehydration synthesis

Dehydration synthesis is just the opposite of hydrolysis. Here the water molecules are removed and covalent bonds are formed between monomers to form the polymers. Since the bonds are formed here, this chemical reaction required energy.

Transfer of electrons

In both hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis, there is breaking or making of covalent bonds with adding or release of the water molecule, this is done by transfer of electrons between the H and OH ions and in monomers.

In dehydration synthesis, the H and OH ions transfer electrons to monomers, while in hydrolysis, the electrons are taken up by H and OH ions from monomers.