No, sucrose is neither acidic nor basic; it is considered a neutral substance.
Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a disaccharide formed from the combination of two simple sugars: glucose and fructose. During this combination, a water molecule (H₂O) is removed, and the resulting sucrose molecule does not readily donate or accept protons (H⁺) in solution, which is the defining characteristic of acids and bases.
Here's a breakdown:
- Acids: Substances that donate protons (H⁺).
- Bases: Substances that accept protons (H⁺).
- Neutral substances: Substances that neither donate nor accept protons readily.
Because sucrose does not exhibit acidic or basic properties, it is classified as a neutral substance. In a pure solution of sucrose in water, the concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are approximately equal, indicating neutrality.
