The molecular formula of a carbohydrate molecule is C24H42O₂1. The maximum number of glucose and water molecules that will be consumed by complete hydrolysis of the carbohydrate is ________. A) 6 molecules of glucose and 3 molecules of water B) 4 molecules of glucose and 4 molecules of water C) 4 molecules of glucose and 3 molecules of water D) 6 molecules of glucose and 5 molecules of water

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecular formula given is incorrect due to the presence of elements like S, U, and B in unconventional notation. However, assuming a typo and interpreting the formula as C24H42O21 (a common mistake in transcription), this suggests a polysaccharide made from glucose units. The general formula for carbohydrates is Cn(H2O)n-1, meaning for every n glucose units, n-1 water molecules are needed for hydrolysis. For C24H42O21, dividing by the empirical formula of glucose (C6H12O6) gives 4 glucose units. Therefore, 4-1 = 3 water molecules are needed for complete hydrolysis.

The Molecular Formula of a Carbohydrate Molecule Is C24H42O21

The Molecular Formula of a Carbohydrate Molecule Is C24H42O₂1