Properties of Sugar FINAL WRITTEN REPORT OUTLINE

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 2

PROPERTIES OF SUGAR (WRITTEN REPORT)

Solubility of Sugar
Sugars exhibit varying degrees of solubility in water. Among disaccharides, sucrose
stands out as the most soluble, while lactose demonstrates the lowest solubility. At room
temperature, the solubility order of common sugars, from highest to lowest, is:
 Fructose
 Sucrose
 Glucose
 Maltose
 Lactose
Melting Point and Decomposition by Heat
Sugars transition into a liquid state upon application of dry heat. However, exceeding
their melting point initiates decomposition processes.
Moisture Absorption
Sugars readily absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This property is
evident in the caking and lumping of crystalline sugars when stored in humid conditions.
Additionally, baked flour mixtures rich in sugar readily absorb moisture from a moist
atmosphere, particularly when stored in sealed containers.
Fermentation
Yeast can ferment most sugars, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. Alcohol can
further oxidize into acids. This fermentation process can lead to spoilage in canned or cooked
products containing sugar.
Hydrolysis
Disaccharides undergo hydrolysis in the presence of weak acids. Sucrose is most
susceptible to acid hydrolysis, while maltose and lactose are hydrolyzed at a slower rate.
Monosaccharides, on the other hand, remain largely unaffected by acids.
Enzyme Hydrolysis
Enzymes play a crucial role in sugar conversion. For instance, enzymes are employed in
the production of corn syrup, converting starch into sugar. The enzyme sucrase, also known as
invertase, finds application in the candy industry, hydrolyzing sucrose in cream fondant to
achieve soft, semi-fluid centers in chocolates.
Decomposition by Alkalies
Alkaline waters used in boiling sugar solutions may bring about some decomposition of
sugars. Alkalies, both strong and weak, can decompose sugars.
Effect of Alkalies Upon Sugars
Strong alkalies, like strong acids, readily decompose sugars. Weak alkalies, such as
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), also interact with sugars. Even alkaline salts present in hard
water can cause significant decomposition of certain sugars. Interestingly, disaccharides most
susceptible to acid hydrolysis are least readily decomposed by alkalies, and vice versa. Sucrose is
relatively resistant to weak alkalies, while maltose and lactose are more susceptible.

Properties of Sugars (OUTLINE)


I. Solubility of Sugars
 Sucrose
II. Melting Point and Decomposition by Heat
III. Absorption of Moisture
IV. Fermentation
V. Acid Hydrolysis
VI. Enzymatic Hydrolysis
VII. Decomposition by Alkalies
VIII. Effect of Alkalies Upon Sugars

You might also like