August 27, 2025 | UR Gate
Sucrose (C12H22O11) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Explore Sucrose (C12H22O11), common table sugar. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its role as a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, providing energy for living organisms.
What is Sucrose (C12H22O11)?
Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a disaccharide composed of two simpler sugars: glucose and fructose, linked together by a glycosidic bond. It is one of the most widely consumed carbohydrates globally and serves as a primary source of energy for many living organisms. Sucrose is naturally found in high concentrations in sugar cane and sugar beets, from which it is commercially extracted and refined. Its sweet taste makes it a popular ingredient in food and beverages worldwide. When digested, sucrose is broken down into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, which are then absorbed and metabolized for energy.
Properties of Sucrose (C12H22O11)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ |
| Molecular Weight | 342.30 g/mol |
| Density | 1.587 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes upon heating (caramelizes around 186 °C) |
| Melting Point | 186 °C |
| Hybridization | All carbon atoms are primarily sp³ hybridized, with some sp² character in the bonds within the pyranose and furanose rings due to the presence of oxygen atoms. |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol. |
Nomenclature of Sucrose
- Common name: Sucrose, Table Sugar
- IUPAC name: α-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside
Synonyms
- α-D-Glucopyranosyl β-D-fructofuranoside
- Saccharose
- Beta-D-fructofuranosyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside
- Cane sugar
- Beet sugar
