The molecular formula for glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆. What would be the molecular formula for a polymer made by linking ten glucose molecules together by dehydration reactions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To link ten glucose molecules, nine water molecules will be removed through dehydration reactions. Each dehydration reaction will form a glycosidic linkage, resulting in a molecule with one less water molecule and one additional glucose molecule. Therefore, the number of carbon atoms (C) will be 6 x 10 = 60, the number of hydrogen atoms (H) will be (12 x 10) - 9 = 111, and the number of oxygen atoms (O) will be (6 x 10) - 9 = 51. Thus, the correct molecular formula is C₆₀H₁₀₂O₅₁.

The Molecular Formula for Glucose Is C₆H₁₂O₆