The hydrolysis of sucrose depicted below has K = 1.4 × 10⁵. Which of the following is a reasonable assumption about this reaction once equilibrium is established? sucrose + H₂O glucose + fructose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high value of K indicates that the products (glucose and fructose) are favored at equilibrium. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the equilibrium mixture contains mostly glucose and fructose. Option A can be eliminated because sucrose would have to be cleaved equally into glucose and fructose for this to hold true. Option C can be eliminated because the high value of K suggests that sucrose will be mostly consumed. Option D can be eliminated because the high value of K indicates that the equilibrium will shift to the right (toward the products).

The Hydrolysis of Sucrose Depicted Below Has K = 1