Which of the following best describes what happens when C6H12O6 (glucose) is added to water?

• A. It precipitates out of solution.
• B. It dissociates completely into Na+ and Cl- ions.
• C. It reacts with water to form CO2 and H2O.
• D. It dissolves without dissociating into ions.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the nature of glucose (C6H12O6): it is a molecular compound composed of covalently bonded atoms, not an ionic compound.
2. Recall that when molecular compounds like glucose are added to water, they typically dissolve by interacting with water molecules through hydrogen bonding rather than dissociating into ions.
3. Understand that glucose does not contain ions such as Na+ or Cl-, so it cannot dissociate into ions in solution.
4. Recognize that glucose does not chemically react with water to form new substances like CO2 and H2O under normal conditions; it simply dissolves.
5. Conclude that the best description is that glucose dissolves in water without dissociating into ions, meaning it remains as intact molecules dispersed in the solution.