The chemical formula for sucrose is C12H22O11.
Understanding the Sucrose Formula
Sucrose, widely recognized as common table sugar, is a type of carbohydrate known as a disaccharide. This means it is composed of two simpler sugar units (monosaccharides) chemically bonded together. The molecular formula, C12H22O11, precisely details the atomic composition of a single sucrose molecule.
Breakdown of Elements in Sucrose
Each molecule of sucrose consists of atoms from three distinct chemical elements: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). The subscripts in the formula directly indicate the exact quantity of each type of atom present in one molecule.
| Element | Symbol | Number of Atoms per Sucrose Molecule |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 12 |
| Hydrogen | H | 22 |
| Oxygen | O | 11 |
This specific combination and arrangement of atoms are what give sucrose its characteristic sweetness, physical properties, and its vital role as an energy source in biology and a common ingredient in cuisine worldwide.
Importance of Molecular Formulas
Molecular formulas are fundamental in chemistry and provide crucial information about compounds:
- Substance Identification: Each unique chemical compound possesses a distinct molecular formula, allowing for its identification.
- Compositional Clarity: They plainly illustrate the types of elements and the exact number of atoms of each element that make up a molecule.
- Chemical Reaction Guidance: Chemists utilize these formulas to accurately balance chemical equations, predict the products of reactions, and understand chemical transformations.
For further exploration of molecular formulas and the chemistry of carbohydrates, reputable scientific organizations like the American Chemical Society offer extensive resources.
