Multiple Choice
A molecule with the chemical formula C_6H_{12}O_6 is probably a:
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3. Chemical Reactions
Molecular Formula
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Which of the following is the correct molecular formula for glucose?
A
C6H12O6
B
C5H10O5
C
C6H6O6
D
C12H22O11
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the molecular formula of a compound represents the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule.
Recall that glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) commonly known to have 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.
Compare each given formula to the known composition of glucose: C6H12O6 matches the expected ratio of atoms in glucose.
Recognize that C5H10O5 corresponds to ribose (a different sugar), C6H6O6 does not match typical sugar formulas, and C12H22O11 is the formula for sucrose (a disaccharide).
Conclude that the correct molecular formula for glucose is C6H12O6 based on the standard chemical knowledge of monosaccharides.
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