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Sugar Formula: Examples, Reaction, Properties and Uses

Learn about sugar formula: what they are, how they work, and their impact. It appears white and does not smell. It is one of the most accessible sources of energy.
authorImageRanvijay Singh30 Sept, 2023
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Sugar Formula

Sugar , or sucrose, is primarily extracted from sugar cane. Other types of sugar include invert sugar, crystalline fructose, and glucose. Monosaccharides, also known as simple sugars, are single sugar molecules that can be linked together to form longer chains. Depending on the number of monosaccharides in a chain, they can be called oligosaccharides (3-9) or polysaccharides (more than 9).

Sugar Formula

Sugar, or sucrose, is primarily extracted from sugar cane. Other types of sugar include invert sugar, crystalline fructose, and glucose. Monosaccharides, also known as simple sugars, are single sugar molecules that can be linked together to form longer chains. Depending on the number of monosaccharides in a chain, they can be called oligosaccharides (3-9) or polysaccharides (more than 9).

Properties

In organic chemistry, sugar is a simple carb that has a sweet taste and is water soluble. It appears white and does not smell. It is one of the most accessible sources of energy. In organic chemistry, the phrase "sugar molecule" is commonly used to describe biomolecules. The sugar formula is also known by its chemical name, sucrose formula.

The main ingredient used to make sweets today is sucrose. It is not only used as a food preservation agent in the food industry but is also used to prepare sweets at home. The substance may also be present in some pills, syrups, and other dosage forms. In spite of the fact that sugar is not hazardous by itself, excessive consumption has been linked to dental decay, diabetes, and obesity, among others.

Physical Properties of Sugar

  • Sugar Formula appears as a white, crystalline substance.
  • Density is 1.587 g/cm3 and molecular weight is 342.30 g/mol.
  • Around 459 K, its melting point disintegrates.
  • It is soluble in water with a 203.9g/100mL solubility at 20°C and a combustion enthalpy of 5647 kJ.mol -1 .

Also Read – Acetone Formula

Chemical Properties of Sugar

Sugar Formula can be dehydrated in sulfuric acid to produce a black solid that is low in SO 3 and high in carbon.

C 12 H 22 O 11 + H 2 SO 4 → 11H 2 O + 12C (black carbon dense solid) + heat

The chemical reaction is shown here.

Hydrochloric acid (HClO3), carbon dioxide, and water are formed when chloric acid (HClO 3 ) and a sugar molecule (C 12 H 22 O 11 ) combine.

A mixture of C 12 H 22 O 11 + 8HClO 3 + 11H 2 O + 12CO 2

The Rocket candy fuel is created when sucrose reacts with potent oxidizers such as potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ).

The chemical reaction is as follows:

A total of C 12 H 22 O 11 + 6KNO 3 + 3K 2 CO 3 + 3N 2 + 9CO + 11H 2 O

Also Check – Value of Gas Constant Formula

Uses of Sugar/Sucrose

Sugar can be used in the following ways:

  • In addition to serving as an antioxidant, sucrose preserves food.
  • Sugar is commonly found in soft drinks.
  • Besides thickening food, it also stabilizes it.
  • Jams, jellies, and confections are also made with sucrose, which gives baked goods a rich, dark color.
  • In detergent production, it acts as a chemical intermediary.

Sugar Formula FAQs

Q1. What is the chemical formula of sugar?

Ans. The chemical formula for sugar can refer to various types of sugars, but the most common sugar, sucrose, has the chemical formula C12H22O11.

Q2. What are the different types of sugars and their formulas?

Ans. There are several types of sugars, including glucose (C6H12O6), fructose (C6H12O6), and lactose (C12H22O11), each with its own unique chemical formula.

Q3. Why is sugar considered a carbohydrate?

Ans. Sugar is classified as a carbohydrate because it consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in varying proportions. Carbohydrates are essential nutrients and a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Q4. What is the role of sugar in the human diet?

Ans. Sugars provide a quick source of energy for the body. However, excessive consumption of added sugars can contribute to health issues such as obesity and dental problems.

Q5. How is sugar obtained from natural sources?

Ans. Sugar is commonly extracted from natural sources like sugar cane and sugar beets. The process involves crushing or milling the plants to extract juice, which is then processed to crystallize and refine the sugar.
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