Understanding the Molar Mass and Molecular Formula of Sucrose: Insights and Applications

Defined as a carbohydrate, sucrose, commonly known as table sugar or cane sugar, holds a significant place in culinary practices and industrial applications. To understand its properties, it is important to examine its molecular formula and molar mass.

Molecular Formula and Composition of Sucrose

Structurally, sucrose, represented by the molecular formula C12H22O11, consists of twelve carbon atoms, twenty-two hydrogen atoms, and eleven oxygen atoms. This was initially derived from the molecular formula you provided. Sucrose is considered a non-reducing disaccharide, composed of two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose. This unique structure makes it a crucial component in the sweetening of foods and beverages.

Calculation of Molar Mass of Sucrose

The molar mass of a substance is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecular formula. For sucrose, this involves the atomic masses of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as follows:

Atomic Mass of Each Element

Carbon (C): 12.011 amu Hydrogen (H): 1.008 amu Oxygen (O): 15.999 amu

Calculating Molar Mass

The molar mass calculation for sucrose follows these steps:

Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the molecule: Carbon (C): 12 atoms * 12.011 amu 144.132 amu Hydrogen (H): 22 atoms * 1.008 amu 22.176 amu Oxygen (O): 11 atoms * 15.999 amu 175.989 amu Add up these values: 144.132 amu 22.176 amu 175.989 amu 342.297 amu

Therefore, the molar mass of sucrose is approximately 342.3 g/mol.

Determining the Mass of Half a Mole of Sucrose

To further understand the weight of sucrose, consider the mass of half a mole of sucrose:

Half a mole of sucrose 0.5 mol Mass of one mole of sucrose 342.3 g Mass of 0.5 mole of sucrose 342.3 g/mol * 0.5 mol 171.15 g

Hence, the mass of 0.5 mole of sucrose is approximately 171.15 g.

Applications and Relevance

The detailed exploration of sucrose's molecular formula and molar mass is vital in various fields:

Culinary Industry: Sucrose is a fundamental ingredient in baking and sweetening, impacting flavor and texture. Pharmaceuticals: Sucrose serves as a base for tablets and capsules, stabilizing the formulation and improving taste. Chemistry: Understanding the molecular composition allows for precise calculations in chemical reactions and applications.

Conclusion

Understanding the molecular formula and molar mass of sucrose is crucial for its practical applications in various industries. With a duced molar mass of 342.3 g/mol, sucrose plays a vital role in enhancing the sweet taste of foods and replacing other sweetening agents. This information is particularly relevant for individuals pursuing careers in chemistry, culinary arts, and pharmaceuticals.