Chapter 16, Problem 1Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced equation for the conversion of sucrose into ethanol needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Ethanol is an organic compound with chemical formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}\text{OH}$. It is a well-known alcohol and also named as ethyl alcohol. Carbohydrates like disaccharides for example, sucrose and maltose are used to prepare this alcohol. Disaccharides are composed of two saccharides which are bonded with glycosidic linkage. Sucrose is composed of one glucose and one fructose molecule whereas maltose is composed of two glucose units.

Answer to Problem 1Q

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{12}}{\text{H}}_{\text{22}}{\text{O}}_{\text{11}}{\text{+ H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\stackrel{\text{invertase,zymase}}{\to }{\text{ 4 C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{OH+ 4 CO}}_{\text{2}}$

Explanation of Solution

Sucrose is used to prepare ethanol in the presence of invertase and zymase enzymes. Invertase enzyme involves in hydrolysis of sucrose molecule that results the formation of glucose and fructose molecules. Later the reaction of glucose and fructose in the presence of zymase enzyme converts the monosaccharides to ethanol and water.

The balanced chemical equation is represented as follows:

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{12}}{\text{H}}_{\text{22}}{\text{O}}_{\text{11}}{\text{+ H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\stackrel{\text{invertase,zymase}}{\to }{\text{ 4 C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{OH+ 4 CO}}_{\text{2}}$

Conclusion

Thus, the balanced chemical reaction for the formation of ethanol from sucrose is as follows:

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{12}}{\text{H}}_{\text{22}}{\text{O}}_{\text{11}}{\text{+ H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\stackrel{\text{invertase,zymase}}{\to }{\text{ 4 C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{OH+ 4 CO}}_{\text{2}}$