Chemical Name of Sugar

Sugar is a common household substance that is widely used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in various food and beverage products. The chemical name of sugar is sucrose, which belongs to the class of carbohydrates known as disaccharides.

Structure of Sucrose

Sucrose is made up of two simpler sugar molecules, glucose and fructose, which are joined together by a glycosidic bond. The chemical formula of sucrose is C12H22O11, indicating that it is composed of 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, and 11 oxygen atoms.

Classification of Sugars

Sugars can be broadly classified into two categories: monosaccharides and disaccharides. Monosaccharides are single sugar molecules, while disaccharides are formed by the combination of two monosaccharides.

Monosaccharides:
- Glucose: It is the primary source of energy for living organisms and is commonly found in fruits, honey, and various plant and animal tissues.
- Fructose: It is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. It is also a major component of high-fructose corn syrup, which is widely used in the food industry.

Disaccharides:
- Sucrose: It is the most well-known disaccharide, commonly found in table sugar. It is obtained from sugarcane or sugar beets and is widely used in baking, cooking, and as a sweetener.
- Lactose: It is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose is composed of glucose and galactose molecules.
- Maltose: It is a sugar produced by the breakdown of starch and is commonly found in malted grains and beer.

Importance of Sugar

Sucrose, or sugar, plays a crucial role in providing energy to living organisms. It is a vital component of the human diet, providing a quick source of energy. However, excessive consumption of sugar can lead to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

In conclusion, the chemical name of sugar is sucrose, which is classified as a disaccharide. Sucrose is composed of two sugar molecules, glucose and fructose, and is widely used as a sweetener in various food and beverage products.

Chemical name of sugar is sucrose.
It's formula is C12H22O11