Question

Invert sugar is a product obtained by the hydrolysis of:

• A. Maltose
• B. Sucrose
• C. Lactose
• D. Dextrin

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To solve the given question, we need to identify which sugar results in the formation of invert sugar through the process of hydrolysis.

Concept of Invert Sugar: Invert sugar is formed when sucrose is hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis process breaks down sucrose into two simpler sugars, glucose and fructose, in equal proportions. This reaction involves the addition of water to sucrose, which is catalyzed by an enzyme called invertase or by acidic conditions.

The overall reaction for the hydrolysis of sucrose can be represented as:

\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11} + \text{H}_{2}\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_{6} (\text{glucose}) + \text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_{6} (\text{fructose})

The solution containing glucose and fructose is called invert sugar because the optical activity of the solution is inverted compared to that of the original sucrose solution.

Analysis of Options:

• Maltose: Composed of two glucose units. Hydrolysis results in glucose, not invert sugar.
• Sucrose: Composed of glucose and fructose. Hydrolysis of sucrose results in invert sugar, as explained above.
• Lactose: Composed of glucose and galactose. Does not yield invert sugar upon hydrolysis.
• Dextrin: A polysaccharide. Hydrolysis does not produce invert sugar.

Conclusion: Among the given options, sucrose is the only sugar that, upon hydrolysis, results in invert sugar due to the formation of an equimolar mixture of glucose and fructose.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Sucrose.