What is the Sulfuric Acid and Sugar Reaction in Chemistry Demonstrations?

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SUMMARY

The reaction between sulfuric acid and sugar, specifically sucrose (C12H22O11), is a dehydration reaction that demonstrates the release of energy stored in sugar. Sulfuric acid acts as a strong dehydrating agent, removing water from the sugar and resulting in the formation of carbon in the form of graphite. This reaction effectively illustrates the energy release without converting the sugar into ATP. The process can also be performed with glucose or other organic materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-catalyzed reactions
  • Knowledge of dehydration reactions in chemistry
  • Familiarity with chemical formulas and reactions
  • Basic principles of energy release in chemical processes
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  • Research the properties and applications of sulfuric acid as a dehydrating agent
  • Study the chemical reaction mechanisms of dehydration reactions
  • Explore the differences between glucose and sucrose in chemical reactions
  • Investigate the formation of carbon from organic compounds in chemical reactions
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Chemistry students, educators conducting demonstrations, and anyone interested in chemical reactions involving dehydration and energy release.

lapo3399
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Hi,

My chem teacher in high school did a demo 2-3 years ago, which I know involved sulfuric acid and either glucose or sucrose. I believe it was an acid-catalysed reaction which demonstrated the instant release of the energy stored in the sugar as opposed to conversion to ATP. Does anyone know what reaction this is, and how it is carried out?

Thanks
 
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This reaction can be performed with either glucose or surcrose (or almost any organic material for that matter). Sulfuric acid is a very strong dehydrating agent, that is, it has a strong affinity for water. It is such a strong dehydrating agent that it "sucks" out the water from the sugar.

The reaction with surcrose is C12H22O11 --> 11H2O + 12C
The sulfuric acid absorbs the water formed and forms a hydrate. The carbon created is in the form of graphite.
 

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