Chapter 9: Problem 59
Which of the following artificial sweetner contains chlorine? (A) Aspartame (B) Sucrolose (C) Saccharin (D) Alitame
Short Answer
Expert verified
(B) Sucralose
Step by step solution
01
(A) Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener with the molecular formula C14H18N2O5. It does not include chlorine in its structure.
02
(B) Sucralose
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener with the molecular formula C12H19Cl3O8. It contains three chlorine atoms in its structure, making it the correct option.
03
(C) Saccharin
Saccharin is an artificial sweetener with the molecular formula C7H5NO3S. It does not include chlorine in its structure.
04
(D) Alitame
Alitame is an artificial sweetener with the molecular formula C14H25N3O4S. It does not include chlorine in its structure.
From the analysis, it is evident that the artificial sweetener containing chlorine in the given options is Sucralose. So, the correct answer is:
(B) Sucralose
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a widely known artificial sweetener, often recognized by its brand name, Splenda. As a zero-calorie sugar substitute, it's particularly popular among individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness in their diet.
Chemically, sucralose is unique due to its incorporation of chlorine atoms into its molecular structure. Its full molecular formula is (C_{12}H_{19}Cl_{3}O_{8}), which reveals that sucralose is a chlorinated carbohydrate. This modification not only imparts intense sweetness, approximately 600 times that of sugar, but also alters the compound's ability to be metabolized by the human body. As a result, sucralose passes through the body without being broken down for energy, thus contributing no calories.
Chemically, sucralose is unique due to its incorporation of chlorine atoms into its molecular structure. Its full molecular formula is (C_{12}H_{19}Cl_{3}O_{8}), which reveals that sucralose is a chlorinated carbohydrate. This modification not only imparts intense sweetness, approximately 600 times that of sugar, but also alters the compound's ability to be metabolized by the human body. As a result, sucralose passes through the body without being broken down for energy, thus contributing no calories.
How Sucralose is Made
Sucralose is synthesized through a multi-step process that selectively chlorinates sucrose, substituting three hydroxyl groups (-OH) with chlorine atoms (-Cl). This specific alteration is vital; it makes sucralose stable under heat and capable of being used in cooking and baking, an advantage over some other sweeteners. Despite its benefits, there's ongoing debate about its long-term health effects—an important consideration for consumers.Chlorine in Organic Compounds
Chlorine, when introduced into organic compounds, can significantly alter their properties. In organic chemistry, chlorine is known for its high reactivity due to its electronegativity and ability to form strong bonds with carbon.
When chlorine atoms replace hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon, the resulting compound is a chlorocarbon—an example is chloroform (CHCl_3), widely used as a solvent. In artificial sweeteners like sucralose, chlorine's inclusion has a profound impact on the taste and metabolic stability of the compound.
Chlorination can create compounds that are less likely to be broken down by microbial action, which is partly why sucralose resists degradation in the environment. This persistent nature can lead to concerns about accumulation and long-term environmental impact. However, when it comes to designing artificial sweeteners, the incorporation of chlorine is essential for creating a sweet flavor profile that resembles sugar, while preventing the sweeteners from being caloric.
When chlorine atoms replace hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon, the resulting compound is a chlorocarbon—an example is chloroform (CHCl_3), widely used as a solvent. In artificial sweeteners like sucralose, chlorine's inclusion has a profound impact on the taste and metabolic stability of the compound.
Chlorination can create compounds that are less likely to be broken down by microbial action, which is partly why sucralose resists degradation in the environment. This persistent nature can lead to concerns about accumulation and long-term environmental impact. However, when it comes to designing artificial sweeteners, the incorporation of chlorine is essential for creating a sweet flavor profile that resembles sugar, while preventing the sweeteners from being caloric.
Molecular Formula
A molecular formula is a fundamental piece of information in chemistry that identifies the types and numbers of atoms in a molecule. It serves as an important shorthand in chemical communication, revealing the composition of chemical substances at a glance.
For example, the molecular formula for sucralose, (C_{12}H_{19}Cl_{3}O_{8}), informs us directly that each molecule of sucralose consists of 12 carbon atoms, 19 hydrogen atoms, 3 chlorine atoms, and 8 oxygen atoms. Given a molecular formula, one can often make educated guesses about the properties of a substance, such as its sweetness in the case of sucralose, or its ability to incorporate into various physical states, such as solids, liquids, or gases.
Understanding the molecular formula also aids in deducing the molecular structure, which is crucial in predicting the reactivity, stability, and interactions of a compound with its surroundings. This knowledge is especially vital in the production and use of artificial sweeteners, ensuring they perform their intended role without unintended consequences.
For example, the molecular formula for sucralose, (C_{12}H_{19}Cl_{3}O_{8}), informs us directly that each molecule of sucralose consists of 12 carbon atoms, 19 hydrogen atoms, 3 chlorine atoms, and 8 oxygen atoms. Given a molecular formula, one can often make educated guesses about the properties of a substance, such as its sweetness in the case of sucralose, or its ability to incorporate into various physical states, such as solids, liquids, or gases.
Understanding the molecular formula also aids in deducing the molecular structure, which is crucial in predicting the reactivity, stability, and interactions of a compound with its surroundings. This knowledge is especially vital in the production and use of artificial sweeteners, ensuring they perform their intended role without unintended consequences.
