Question

Product obtained by hydrolysis of inulin is –

• A. Glucose
• B. Fructose
• C. Glucose and fructose
• D. Lactose

Hint:

Remember: Inulin $\rightarrow$ hydrolysis $\rightarrow$ fructose. This is why inulin is also called a fructosan.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the composition of inulin.
Inulin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide composed mainly of fructose units, with a terminal glucose sometimes present.

Step 2: Hydrolysis of inulin.
On hydrolysis by dilute acids or enzymes, inulin breaks down to yield fructose as the major product.
\[ (C_6H_{10}O_5)_n + nH_2O \longrightarrow nC_6H_{12}O_6 \, (\text{fructose}) \]

Step 3: Analyze options.
- (A) Glucose → Incorrect, since inulin mainly yields fructose, not glucose.
- (B) Fructose → Correct.
- (C) Glucose and fructose → Incorrect, as this is the case for sucrose hydrolysis, not inulin.
- (D) Lactose → Incorrect, lactose is a disaccharide of glucose + galactose.
Step 4: Final Answer.
Hence, the hydrolysis of inulin gives fructose.
\[ \boxed{\text{Fructose}} \]