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Sucrose - Glucose, Properties, Structure, Uses, FAQs

Sucrose - Glucose, Properties, Structure, Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:55 PM IST

What is sucrose?

Firstly we will discuss here that what actually the word sucrose stand for. The word sucrose stands for the ordinary sugar that we generally consume in our day to day life or we call it as the table sugar. We all have eaten fruits and various sweet tasting items so the fruits or we can say that the naturally occurring items which are sweet in taste and consumed directly are called natural sugar or natural sucrose. Sucrose is made up of fructose and glucose.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is sucrose?
  2. What is the chemical formula for sucrose?
  3. Properties of sucrose
  4. Sucrose structure
  5. Glucose and sucrose
  6. Uses of sucrose

Sucrose structure

Now we will discuss an interesting question here after discussing a little information about sucrose

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What is the chemical formula for sucrose?

So we can here simply give the chemical formula of sucrose or molecular formula of sucrose which is 1640171586966 as we have discussed the chemical formula for sucrose so in the same way we will now discuss the chemical formula for the sucrose. As it is known that the naming in chemistry is according to the fixed standards of the chemistry and that fixed standard is called the IUPAC naming.

So according to the IUPAC naming of sucrose is1640171586519. This is a very complicated naming but here as we can see that there are two symbols representing alpha and beta which are in turn the indication of the position where the groups are attached. Further talking about the naming we can see that the symbol D is also there which represents the rotation of the molecule whether it moves to the right or the left.

Properties of sucrose

While discussing the properties of any compound we come across two types of properties namely physical and chemical properties. As the name suggests the physical properties are those which are based on the physical appearances and the chemical properties are those which are based on the chemical reactions of the compounds. Now we will discuss some of the physical properties of sugar/sucrose.

  • One of the physical properties is molar mass of sucrose or molecular weight of sucrose which is 342.30g/mol.

  • Another physical property is appearance, so it is a white solid.

  • The shape of its crystal is monoclinic.

  • Its melting point is 367F.

  • It is soluble in water unless its saturation point is reached.

Now discussing about the chemical reactions of sucrose and one such important chemical reaction is hydrolysis of cane sugar. In reaction of hydrolysis of cane sugar the ether bond is broken between the glucose and the fructose. This breaking of bonds may take years but this process can be initiated or fastened by adding the enzymes to it.

Sucrose structure

When we talk about sucrose in exact chemical terms we come to know that sucrose is a disaccharide which means that it is made up of two single units which is also called monosaccharides. The monosaccharides which constitute sucrose are glucose and fructose. It should be noted here that as the two monomer structure are different so they are linked together with the special type of bonding between them which is called glycosidic bonding or linkage. Here we must discuss more about this linkage. This glycosidic linkage is basically formed when an ether is used to link between the glucose at position 1 of the carbon molecule to the fructose molecule at 2 carbon position.

Such a type of bonding in chemistry is named as the glycosidic linkage. Sometimes what happens is that there is a linkage between the molecules with one reducing and the other non-reducing end which helps the saccharides to further bond to the other saccharides. But this is not the case with the sucrose because here the glycosidic linkage is formed between the reducing ends of the glucose that to the reducing ends of the fructose molecule so it formed sucrose which further cannot bond to the other saccharides.

Now we will discuss the sucrose function. Generally we come across three types of substances in nature namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats. As it is known that sucrose being a sugar comes under the category of the carbohydrates. When these carbohydrates are taken in the body the carbohydrates gets broken down with the help of the enzymes and releases glucose and fructose and as it is known that glucose gives energy. As soon as the sucrose gets broken down to glucose it gives energy to the cells and further helps to increase the efficiency of the work in both plants and animals

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Glucose, fructose, sucrose structure

Glucose and sucrose

Talking about the glucose and sucrose together there are several similarities and differences. Firstly let’s discuss about the chemical formulas of the two. So the chemical formula of sucrose is1640171587048 and the formula for glucose is1640171586433. It is clearly visible from the formula itself that that sucrose contain double the number of atoms as in the glucose. From this we get to know that glucose is a monosaccharide whereas the sucrose is the disaccharide made up of two different units namely glucose and fructose.

Also another important point which arises from the formula is that the glucose is the reducing sugar whereas the sucrose is a noon reducing sugar. Now we will discuss the sources from which these are obtained and where they are further applied or precisely discussing about their function. Glucose is obtained from the carbohydrates that we intake and this further break to get glucose to provide energy. Sucrose on the other hand is obtained from the fruits as a natural sugar and also from the sugarcane where the sugar so obtained is refined in order to get sucrose and it also provides energy to the body.

Also, students can refer,

Uses of sucrose

  • Sucrose is added to the food items and different drinks in order to make them sweet.

  • It provides energy to the body when taken in the right amount.

  • As it is known that it is also used by the plants to transport the carbon to required parts.

  • It is also used in the medicines to add flavour to them otherwise they cannot be taken easily.

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Write c12h22o11 name or c12h22o11 chemical name/What is?

It is the chemical formula for sucrose.

2. Write the sucrose structural formula.

C12H22O11

3. Give any two uses of sucrose.

Uses of sucrose

  • Sucrose is added to the food items and different drinks in order to make them sweet.

  • It provides energy to the body when taken in the right amount.

4. What is the c12h22o11 molar mass?

342.30g/mol.

5. How can sucrose lead to tooth decay?

 sucrose can lead to tooth decay as when the sucrose in taken in quite a good amount it is acted upon by the bacteria present in the mouth and this bacteria leads to the formation of sticky layer over the tooth and can further lead to plague.

6. What is natural source of sugar?

the natural source for sugar is sugarcane. The syrup of raw sugar is obtained from the sugarcane which on further process in the refineries leads to formation of the crystals of the sugar.

7. Explain the type of bonding in the sucrose.

The monosaccharides which constitute the sucrose are glucose and fructose. It should be noted here that as the two monomer structure are different so they are linked together with the special type of bonding between them which is called glycosidic bonding or linkage. Here we must discuss more about this linkage. This glycosidic linkage is basically formed when an ether is used to link between the glucose at position 1 of the carbon molecule to the fructose molecule at 2 carbon position. Such type of bonding in chemistry is named as the glycosidic linkage.

8. Write sucrose examples.

Sucrose is a carbohydrate that is present in sugarcane, dates etc.

9. What is sucrose and how does it differ from glucose?
Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose molecules linked together. It differs from glucose, which is a monosaccharide. Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar, while glucose is a simple sugar found in many foods and is the primary energy source for cells.
10. How does the body process sucrose compared to glucose?
The body processes sucrose differently from glucose. Sucrose must first be broken down into glucose and fructose by the enzyme sucrase in the small intestine. Glucose is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream, while fructose is metabolized in the liver.
11. Why is sucrose sweeter than glucose?
Sucrose is sweeter than glucose due to its molecular structure. The combination of glucose and fructose in sucrose creates a unique interaction with taste receptors on the tongue, resulting in a sweeter perception compared to glucose alone.
12. Why is sucrose called a non-reducing sugar?
Sucrose is called a non-reducing sugar because it lacks a free aldehyde or ketone group. The glucose and fructose molecules in sucrose are connected in a way that prevents them from acting as reducing agents in chemical reactions, unlike glucose which is a reducing sugar.
13. What is the difference between sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup?
Sucrose is composed of equal parts glucose and fructose bonded together. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contains free glucose and fructose molecules in varying ratios, typically with a higher proportion of fructose. HFCS is more processed and may have different metabolic effects in the body.
14. What happens to sucrose when it's heated?
When sucrose is heated, it undergoes caramelization. This process breaks down the sucrose molecules, forming new compounds that give caramel its characteristic color and flavor. Caramelization begins around 300°F (150°C) and intensifies with higher temperatures.
15. What is the optical rotation of sucrose and how is it used in analysis?
Sucrose is dextrorotatory, meaning it rotates plane-polarized light to the right. This property, known as optical rotation, is used in sugar analysis and quality control. The specific rotation of sucrose is +66.5° at 20°C, and deviations from this value can indicate impurities or degradation.
16. How does the solubility of sucrose compare to that of glucose?
Sucrose is generally more soluble in water than glucose. At room temperature, about 2000 grams of sucrose can dissolve in 1 liter of water, compared to about 900 grams of glucose. This higher solubility contributes to sucrose's widespread use in food and beverage production.
17. How does sucrose interact with proteins in food systems?
Sucrose interacts with proteins in food systems through various mechanisms. It can affect protein denaturation, stabilize protein structures, and participate in Maillard reactions with amino acids. These interactions are important in food processing, affecting texture, color, and flavor development in many products.
18. How does the molecular weight of sucrose compare to glucose, and why does this matter?
Sucrose has a molecular weight of 342 g/mol, while glucose has a molecular weight of 180 g/mol. This difference matters because it affects properties like osmotic pressure, freezing point depression, and boiling point elevation in solutions, which are important in food science and other applications.
19. How does the structure of sucrose contribute to its properties?
The structure of sucrose, with its glycosidic bond between glucose and fructose, gives it unique properties. This bond makes sucrose more stable than its component monosaccharides, resistant to many chemical reactions, and less likely to participate in browning reactions during cooking.
20. How does the structure of sucrose contribute to its crystallization properties?
The structure of sucrose allows for efficient packing of molecules, leading to its tendency to form crystals. The hydroxyl groups on the surface of sucrose molecules can form hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules, creating a stable crystal lattice. This property is important in candy making and sugar refining.
21. What is the significance of the anomeric carbon in sucrose?
The anomeric carbons in sucrose (C1 of glucose and C2 of fructose) are involved in the glycosidic bond that joins the two monosaccharides. This bond configuration makes sucrose a non-reducing sugar and contributes to its stability and resistance to many chemical reactions compared to its component sugars.
22. What is the difference between sucrose and lactose in terms of structure and digestion?
Sucrose is made of glucose and fructose, while lactose consists of glucose and galactose. Sucrose is broken down by the enzyme sucrase, while lactose requires lactase. Many adults lack lactase and are lactose intolerant, but sucrase deficiency is rare.
23. How does the pH of a solution affect the stability of sucrose?
Sucrose is most stable at slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 5-7). In strongly acidic conditions, sucrose can undergo acid hydrolysis, breaking down into glucose and fructose. In alkaline conditions, sucrose can degrade through various reactions, including the formation of colored compounds.
24. How does sucrose contribute to food preservation?
Sucrose acts as a preservative in foods by reducing water activity. High concentrations of sucrose create an osmotic environment that inhibits microbial growth. This property is utilized in preserving jams, jellies, and other sweet foods.
25. What is the role of sucrose in plant biology?
In plants, sucrose serves as the primary form of sugar for long-distance transport. It is produced during photosynthesis and moved through the phloem to other parts of the plant for energy or storage. Sucrose is more stable for transport than glucose or fructose alone.
26. What is sucrose inversion and why is it important in cooking?
Sucrose inversion is the process of breaking sucrose into its component sugars, glucose and fructose. This is important in cooking because inverted sugar is sweeter, less likely to crystallize, and retains moisture better than sucrose. It's often used in candy making and baking to improve texture and shelf life.
27. How does sucrose affect appetite and satiety?
Sucrose can have complex effects on appetite and satiety. While it provides quick energy and can temporarily satisfy hunger, it doesn't promote long-term satiety as effectively as proteins or complex carbohydrates. Consuming sucrose may lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes, potentially increasing hunger.
28. How does sucrose affect dental health?
Sucrose can negatively impact dental health by promoting tooth decay. Oral bacteria ferment sucrose, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Unlike some other sugars, sucrose is particularly effective at helping bacteria adhere to teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
29. What is the difference between the metabolism of sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup?
While both sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contain glucose and fructose, their metabolism differs slightly. Sucrose must be broken down into its component sugars before absorption, while HFCS contains free monosaccharides. The higher fructose content in some HFCS may lead to different metabolic effects, particularly in liver metabolism.
30. How does sucrose compare to artificial sweeteners in terms of metabolism?
Unlike artificial sweeteners, sucrose provides calories and is metabolized by the body. Sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose, which are then used for energy or stored. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are typically not metabolized and pass through the body without providing energy.
31. How does the body regulate blood sugar levels after consuming sucrose?
When sucrose is consumed, it's broken down into glucose and fructose. The increase in blood glucose triggers the pancreas to release insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver and doesn't directly affect blood sugar levels like glucose does.
32. How does sucrose compare to other disaccharides in terms of sweetness?
Sucrose is often used as the reference for sweetness, with a relative sweetness value of 1. Compared to other disaccharides, sucrose is generally sweeter. For example, maltose (made of two glucose units) has about 30-50% the sweetness of sucrose, while lactose is only about 20-40% as sweet.
33. What is the chemical formula of sucrose?
The chemical formula of sucrose is C12H22O11. This formula represents the combination of one glucose molecule (C6H12O6) and one fructose molecule (C6H12O6), minus one water molecule (H2O) that is released during the formation of the glycosidic bond.
34. What is the glycemic index of sucrose and how does it compare to glucose?
The glycemic index (GI) of sucrose is about 65, while pure glucose has a GI of 100. This means sucrose causes a slower and less dramatic increase in blood sugar levels compared to glucose. The lower GI of sucrose is due to its fructose component, which doesn't directly raise blood glucose.
35. What are the main industrial uses of sucrose beyond food production?
Beyond food, sucrose has various industrial applications. It's used in the production of ethanol as a biofuel, in the manufacture of some plastics and adhesives, and as a starting material for producing surfactants and other chemicals. In pharmaceuticals, it's used as a coating for pills and in some medications.
36. What is the relationship between sucrose and diabetes?
Sucrose consumption is a concern for people with diabetes because it rapidly breaks down into glucose and fructose, potentially causing blood sugar spikes. While sucrose doesn't directly cause diabetes, excessive consumption can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
37. What is the role of sucrose in osmotic dehydration of foods?
Sucrose is commonly used in osmotic dehydration, a food preservation technique. High concentrations of sucrose create an osmotic pressure that draws water out of food materials, reducing water activity and inhibiting microbial growth. This process is used in making dried fruits and some vegetable products.
38. How does sucrose affect the freezing point of solutions?
Sucrose lowers the freezing point of water-based solutions. This colligative property depends on the concentration of sucrose molecules, not their identity. In ice cream production, for example, sucrose helps prevent large ice crystal formation by lowering the freezing point, resulting in a smoother texture.
39. What is the enthalpy of solution for sucrose and why is it important?
The enthalpy of solution for sucrose is endothermic, meaning it absorbs heat when dissolving. This property is important in food science and cooking. When sucrose dissolves in water, it creates a cooling effect, which is why adding sugar to a drink can make it feel colder.
40. What is the role of sucrose in fermentation processes?
Sucrose serves as a fermentable sugar in many fermentation processes. Yeast can break down sucrose into glucose and fructose, which are then fermented to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. This is crucial in bread making, brewing, and the production of some biofuels.
41. How does sucrose affect the boiling point of water?
Sucrose raises the boiling point of water. This is a colligative property, meaning it depends on the number of dissolved particles. In cooking, this property is utilized in making candies and syrups, where specific temperatures correspond to different sugar concentrations and final textures.
42. How does sucrose contribute to the Maillard reaction?
While sucrose itself doesn't directly participate in the Maillard reaction, it can contribute indirectly. When heated, sucrose can break down into glucose and fructose, which are reducing sugars. These can then react with amino acids in the Maillard reaction, producing brown colors and complex flavors in cooked foods.
43. What is the role of sucrose in osmotic stress in cells?
High concentrations of sucrose can cause osmotic stress in cells by drawing water out through osmosis. This property is used in food preservation but can be harmful to living cells. In plants, sucrose concentrations are carefully regulated to maintain proper cellular function and turgor pressure.
44. How does sucrose affect the glass transition temperature of foods?
Sucrose can lower the glass transition temperature of foods, affecting their texture and stability. This property is important in food science, particularly in the production of confectionery and frozen desserts. It helps maintain softness and prevent crystallization in many processed foods.
45. What is the role of sucrose in creating supersaturated solutions?
Sucrose can form supersaturated solutions, where more solute is dissolved than is normally possible at a given temperature. This property is used in candy making to create rock candy and in some chemical processes. Supersaturated sucrose solutions are metastable and can rapidly crystallize when disturbed.
46. What is the role of sucrose in preventing crystallization in food products?
Sucrose can act as a crystallization inhibitor in many food products. By interfering with the formation and growth of ice or sugar crystals, it helps maintain smooth textures in frozen desserts, prevents graininess in candies, and extends the shelf life of many processed foods.
47. How does sucrose affect the water activity of foods?
Sucrose reduces the water activity of foods by binding water molecules. This property is crucial in food preservation as it makes water less available for microbial growth and chemical reactions. Lower water activity due to sucrose helps extend the shelf life of many food products.
48. What is the relationship between sucrose and dental caries?
Sucrose plays a significant role in dental caries (tooth decay). Oral bacteria ferment sucrose more efficiently than other sugars, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Additionally, sucrose helps bacteria adhere to teeth and form plaque, further contributing to tooth decay.
49. How does sucrose affect protein denaturation in food systems?
Sucrose can stabilize proteins against denaturation by preferential exclusion. It is often used in food processing to protect proteins during heating or freezing. This property is utilized in the preservation of enzymes, the stabilization of protein-based drugs, and in some food manufacturing processes.
50. What is the role of sucrose in creating foam stability in foods?
Sucrose contributes to foam stability in foods by increasing viscosity and creating a more stable interface between air bubbles and the liquid phase. This property is important in products like whipped cream, meringues, and some beverages, where stable foam is desirable for texture and appearance.
51. How does sucrose affect the gelatinization of starch?
Sucrose can inhibit or delay starch gelatinization by competing with starch for available water. This effect is important in baking, where sucrose can influence the texture and structure of baked goods. Higher sucrose concentrations typically result in a more tender, finer crumb in cakes and cookies.
52. What is the role of sucrose in cryoprotection?
Sucrose acts as a cryoprotectant, helping to protect cells and tissues from damage during freezing. It works by reducing the formation of ice crystals and stabilizing cell membranes. This property is utilized in the preservation of biological samples and in some food freezing processes.
53. How does sucrose contribute to the browning of foods during cooking?
While sucrose itself doesn't directly cause browning, it can contribute to both caramelization and the Maillard reaction. When heated, sucrose breaks down into glucose and fructose, which can then participate in these browning reactions, creating complex flavors and colors in cooked foods.
54. How does sucrose affect the freezing point depression of solutions?
Sucrose lowers the freezing point of water-based solutions, a colligative property that depends on the concentration of dissolved particles. This property is important in food science, particularly in the production of frozen desserts, where it helps control ice crystal formation and texture.
55. What is the role of sucrose in osmotic dehydration of fruits?
In osmotic dehydration, high concentrations of sucrose create an osmotic gradient that draws water out of fruit tissues. This process is used to partially dehydrate fruits, concentrating flavors and extending shelf life. It's commonly used in the production of candied fruits and some dried fruit products.
56. How does sucrose affect the viscosity of solutions?
Sucrose increases the viscosity of water-based solutions. As sucrose concentration increases, the solution becomes more viscous due to increased interactions between sucrose molecules and water. This property is important in food texture, mouthfeel, and the flow properties of liquid and semi-solid foods.
57. What is the role of sucrose in preventing microbial growth in foods?
Sucrose can inhibit microbial growth in foods by reducing water activity. High concentrations of suc

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