Which of the following is the balanced chemical equation for the fermentation of sucrose (C12H22O11) by yeast, where it reacts with water to form ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) and carbon dioxide (CO2)?

• A. C12H22O11 + H2O → 4 C2H5OH + 4 CO2
• B. C12H22O11 + H2O → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2
• C. C12H22O11 + H2O → 4 C2H5OH + 4 CO2
• D. C12H22O11 + H2O → 3 C2H5OH + 3 CO2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the fermentation reaction: sucrose (C12H22O11) and water (H2O) are the reactants, while ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the products.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: C12H22O11 + H2O → C2H5OH + CO2.
3. Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Start with carbon (C), then hydrogen (H), and finally oxygen (O).
4. Adjust the coefficients of the products (C2H5OH and CO2) to balance the number of carbon atoms first, then balance the hydrogen atoms by adjusting the coefficient of water (H2O), and finally balance the oxygen atoms.
5. Verify that the total number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation to confirm that the equation is balanced. The balanced equation should be: C12H22O11 + H2O → 4 C2H5OH + 4 CO2.