What is C6H12O6? Important knowledge about C6H12O6.

1. Definition of C₆H₁₂O₆:

C₆H₁₂O₆ is the chemical formula for glucose, also known as grape sugar, dextrose, or corn sugar. In English, we call it glucose. C₆H₁₂O₆ consists of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms and 6 oxygen atoms. The atomic mass of carbon is 12, hydrogen is 1 and oxygen is 16. Thus, the molecular mass of C₆H₁₂O₆ is 180.16 g/mol. The molecular structure of C₆H₁₂O₆ is zigzagged with -OH groups located on the right side of the carbon atoms.

2. Properties of C₆H₁₂O₆:

2.1 Physical properties: Glucose is solid, colorless, odorless and sweet-tasting. The pH of a 5% glucose solution is 7, which means it’s neutral.
2.2 Chemical properties: Glucose readily participates in various chemical reactions such as: oxidation reactions, reduction reactions, and hydrolysis reactions.

3. Chemical equation: Glucose undergoes oxidation reactions to produce water and CO₂. During this reaction, it releases energy.

4. Synthesis of C₆H₁₂O₆:

4.1 In the laboratory, we can synthesize glucose from starch, cellulose or xylan through hydrolysis reactions.
4.2 On an industrial scale, glucose is produced from sugarcane or corn through the fermentation process.