How Does Beta Carotene Convert to Vitamin A?

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SUMMARY

The conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A involves a chemical reaction where beta carotene (C40H56) reacts with water (H2O) to produce vitamin A (C20H30O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is C40H56 + 2H2O → 2C20H30O. This process is essential for human health, particularly for maintaining proper vision function. Understanding this reaction is crucial for those studying nutrition and biochemistry.

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I am struggling with coming up with a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of beta carotene to vitamin A. Here is the original problem:


Vitamin A, an essential human nutrient, is necessary for proper vision function among other things. A precursor of vitamin A, beta carotene, is found in dark orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A by a chemical reaction in your body. Write the balanced chemical reaction for this process. C20 H30 O is the formula of vitamin A, C40 H56 is the formula of Beta Carotene.

Beta Carotene would be the reactant plus something else like maybe water (h20)? The product would be vitamin A.

Please Help! :cry:

Thank You so much! :smile:
 
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C_4_0H_5_6 + 2H_2O \longrightarrow 2C_2_0H_3_0O??