August 23, 2025 | UR Gate
Glucose (C6H12O6) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Explore Glucose (C6H12O6), the primary energy source for living organisms. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its vital role in cellular respiration and metabolism.
What is Glucose (C6H12O6)?
Glucose is a simple sugar and a fundamental carbohydrate, making it the primary source of energy for living organisms. It's classified as a monosaccharide, meaning it's the simplest form of sugar and cannot be broken down into smaller carbohydrate units. Glucose is produced by plants and most algae during photosynthesis from water and carbon dioxide. It exists in both open-chain and cyclic (ring) forms, with the cyclic form being predominant in aqueous solutions. Known commonly as blood sugar or dextrose, glucose circulates in the blood of animals and is metabolized in cells to produce ATP, the energy currency of life.
Properties of Glucose (C6H12O6)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 180.16 g/mol |
| Density | 1.54 g/cm³ (approximate for solid form) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 146 °C (approximately) |
| Melting Point | 146–150 °C (for anhydrous form); 86 °C (for monohydrate form) |
| Hybridization | Carbon atoms in the ring structure are primarily sp³ hybridized. The aldehyde carbon in the open-chain form is sp². |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in ether. |
Nomenclature of Glucose
- Common name: Glucose, Dextrose, Grape sugar
- IUPAC name: (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxyhexanal (linear form); β-D-glucopyranose (cyclic form)
Synonyms
- D-Glucose
- Dextrose
- Grape sugar
- Blood sugar
- D-gluco-Hexose
