Question

Write a balanced equation for the synthesis of sucrose from glucose and fructose.

Short answer

$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ (glucose) + $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ (fructose) → $C_{12}{H}_{22}{O}_{11}$ (sucrose) + $H_{2}O$ (water)

Step-by-step solution

Write the molecular formulas of glucose and fructose

Glucose (C6H12O6) and fructose (C6H12O6) have the same molecular formula, but they have different structures. Glucose has a 6-membered ring with an aldehyde group at C1, while fructose has a 5-membered ring with a ketone group at C2.

Determine the glycosidic bond formation

In the synthesis of sucrose, a glycosidic bond forms between the anomeric carbon (C1) of glucose and the C2 hydroxyl group of fructose. This bond formation results in the release of a water molecule (H2O).

Write the balanced equation

Now that we know the molecular formulas of the reactants and the products, we can write the balanced equation for the synthesis of sucrose: C6H12O6 (glucose) + C6H12O6 (fructose) → C12H22O11 (sucrose) + H2O (water) This equation shows that one molecule of glucose combines with one molecule of fructose to produce one molecule of sucrose and one molecule of water, which indicates that the equation is balanced.

Key concepts

Understanding Glycosidic Bonds

In the synthesis of sucrose, a glycosidic bond plays a crucial role in linking two monosaccharides, glucose and fructose. A glycosidic bond is a type of covalent bond that forms between the anomeric carbon of one sugar and a hydroxyl group of another. In this specific reaction, the bond forms between the C1 carbon of glucose and the C2 hydroxyl group of fructose.

Formation of a glycosidic bond involves a condensation reaction, in which a molecule of water is released. This reaction enables the two sugars to join together, creating the disaccharide sucrose. Understanding the process by which these bonds are formed is essential in biochemistry, as glycosidic bonds are key to the structure and function of carbohydrates.

• Crucial for linking sugars
• Forms through dehydration synthesis
• Integral to carbohydrate function

Molecular Formulas in Chemistry

Molecular formulas provide important information about the composition of molecules. They indicate the types and numbers of atoms present in a single molecule of a substance. In the synthesis of sucrose from glucose and fructose, we see that both of these monosaccharides share the same molecular formula: $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$. However, it's vital to note that these formulas do not convey their molecular arrangements or structures.

In the case of glucose and fructose, although they both have the same molecular formula, they differ in structure and functional groups: glucose has an aldehyde group, while fructose has a ketone group. This structural difference plays a significant role in how they react during chemical processes like the formation of sucrose. For students, recognizing this distinction illustrates the importance of both molecular formulas and structural formulas, especially in organic chemistry.

• Indicates composition
• Structure-independent
• Essential for understanding chemical reactions

Balancing Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation is essential for understanding the stoichiometry of a chemical reaction. It accurately represents the conservation of mass, indicating that the same number of atoms of each element exist on both sides of the reaction. In the example of sucrose synthesis, we start with the molecular formulas of reactants: glucose and fructose, both $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$.

Writing the reaction as $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6\to C_{12}{H}_{22}{O}_{11}+H_{2}O$, confirms that one molecule of each glucose and fructose reacts to form one sucrose molecule and one water molecule. This balanced equation denotes that all atoms are accounted for, maintaining equilibrium, an important requirement for any chemical equation.

• Ensures mass conservation
• Indicates stoichiometry
• Key for chemical accuracy