Question

Write a chemical equation, using molecular formulas, for the reaction of maltose with water to form glucose.

Short answer

Answer: The balanced chemical equation for the hydrolysis of maltose (C12H22O11) to form glucose (C6H12O6) is: C12H22O11 + H2O -> 2 C6H12O6

Step-by-step solution

Write the reactants and products of the reaction

We need to write the chemical equation for the reaction of maltose (C12H22O11) with water (H2O) to form glucose (C6H12O6). Hence, the equation is C12H22O11 + H2O -> 2 C6H12O6.

Balancing the Chemical Equation

The given chemical equation is already balanced: C12H22O11 (maltose) -> This molecule has 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, 11 oxygen atoms. H2O (water) -> This molecule has 2 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. 2 C6H12O6 (glucose) -> Each glucose molecule has 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, 6 oxygen atoms. Since there are 2 molecules of glucose in the product, the number of each atom is doubled: 12 carbon atoms, 24 hydrogen atoms, 12 oxygen atoms. So, the balanced chemical equation is: C12H22O11 + H2O -> 2 C6H12O6

Key concepts

Maltose Hydrolysis

Maltose hydrolysis refers to the chemical process where maltose, a disaccharide composed of two glucose units, undergoes a reaction with water. This reaction breaks the glycosidic bond, which is the linkage between the two glucose units. The process is facilitated by the presence of either an enzyme or an acidic environment to function effectively. Upon hydrolysis, maltose is cleaved into two glucose molecules.
This type of reaction is a typical example of breaking down larger carbohydrate molecules into their simpler forms. Another common example is the digestion of starch into glucose units in the digestive system. Understanding maltose hydrolysis is crucial as it exemplifies how the body can convert complex sugars into simple sugars, making them easily absorbable and utilizable for energy.

• Maltose formula: \(\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11}\)
• Water formula: \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)
• Glucose formula: \(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)

Knowing the formulas can help visualize the transformation that occurs during this hydrolysis.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a fundamental skill in chemistry. It ensures that the same number of each type of atom appears on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This reflects the conservation of mass. In the maltose hydrolysis equation, for example, each atom balance is maintained.
Let's break this down:
1. **Counting the Atoms:** In the reaction \(\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\, \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\), both sides need to have 12 carbon atoms, \(22 + 2 = 24\) hydrogen atoms, and \(11 + 1 = 12\) oxygen atoms.
2. **Verification:** The product generates 2 glucose molecules, so the atoms on the product side sum to: 12 carbons, 24 hydrogens, and 12 oxygens. Both sides are equal, confirming the reaction is balanced.
Balancing equations sometimes involves adjusting coefficients or modifying molecule counts to achieve atom parity. It’s like solving a puzzle where the goal is symmetry on both sides. This practice is vital for predicting reaction yields in both academic and practical chemistry engagements.

Glucose Formation

Glucose formation in the context of maltose hydrolysis is an outcome where the single maltose molecule produces two glucose molecules. Glucose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide, essential for numerous biological functions.
Each glucose molecule generated from maltose hydrolysis is made up of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. This fundamental sugar acts as an energy source for cells through processes such as glycolysis.
Understanding glucose formation not only highlights the importance of maltose hydrolysis in biological systems but also emphasizes the role of glucose in metabolism. The energy liberated from glucose upon breaking bonds is harnessed in the form of ATP, the energy currency of cells.

• Glucose provides quick energy.
• It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration.
• Widely used in photosynthetic and heterotrophic organisms.

Recognizing the essential nature of glucose allows us to appreciate broader biochemical processes taking place continuously within living organisms.