The full name of the common white sugar we use is sucrose.
Understanding Sucrose
Sucrose is a molecule that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as carbohydrates. It is made up of the following elements:
- Carbon (C): 12 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 22 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 11 atoms
Therefore, the chemical formula for sucrose is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.
Key Characteristics of Sucrose
- Carbohydrate: Sucrose, like all sugars, is a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are essential sources of energy for living organisms.
- Disaccharide: Sucrose is a disaccharide, meaning it's composed of two simpler sugar molecules bound together: glucose and fructose.
- Common Table Sugar: Sucrose is the primary ingredient in what we commonly call "table sugar," used in cooking, baking, and beverages.
- Natural Source: Sucrose is naturally found in plants such as sugarcane and sugar beets, from which it is commercially extracted.
Common Uses
- Sweetener: Primarily used as a sweetener in food and drinks.
- Baking: Crucial for texture and flavor in baked goods.
- Preservative: Acts as a preservative in certain food items.
- Fermentation: Used in fermentation processes, such as in brewing.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sucrose |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ |
| Type | Disaccharide, Carbohydrate |
| Composition | 12 Carbon, 22 Hydrogen, 11 Oxygen atoms |
