Question

Use the interactive to explore the three-dimensional structure of glucose. Glucose Molecule App Overview A 3D model of glucose with an option to view the alpha or beta form. The OH group bonded to the first carbon points down from the ring. Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen alpha form beta form Determine the molecular formula of glucose.

Answer 1

Answer:

C6H12O6

Explanation:

The 3D molecule of glucose is shown below. The α and β structure differ only by the position of the hydroxyl (OH) that is closest to the methyl (CH3) that is attached to the ring. Thus, the molecular formula is the same for both structures.

In the figure, the grey balls are the atoms of carbon, the red balls are the atoms of oxygen, and the white balls are the atoms of hydrogen. The molecular formula is determined by putting the atoms and their quantities. There are 6 carbons, 12 hydrogens, and 6 oxygens, so:

C6H12O6