Compare the molecular formula of a carbohydrate (CH₂O)n with that of carbon dioxide (CO₂).What does the presence of hydrogen atoms in carbohydrates indicate?
A)Carbohydrates are more reduced than carbon dioxide.
B)Carbohydrates are more oxidized than carbon dioxide.
C)Every carbon atom in a carbohydrate is bonded to four different atoms.
D)Carbohydrates contain a carbonyl functional group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of hydrogen atoms in carbohydrates indicates that they are more reduced than carbon dioxide. Carbohydrates have a higher proportion of carbon-hydrogen bonds than carbon dioxide, which has only carbon-oxygen bonds. This means that carbohydrates have a greater number of electrons and are therefore more reduced.

Compare the Molecular Formula of a Carbohydrate (CH₂O)n with That