Is glucose, C6 H12 O6, an organic or inorganic compound?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Glucose, C6H12O6, is an organic compound. It can be classified as such because it contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which is a defining characteristic of organic compounds. Organic compounds are primarily made up of carbon atoms, and glucose fits this definition perfectly.
The carbon-hydrogen bonds are a key feature of organic molecules, and glucose contains several of these bonds. Additionally, glucose is a type of carbohydrate, a category of organic molecules that includes sugars and starches. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms arranged in specific ratios, with glucose having a chemical formula of C6H12O6. The structure of glucose consists of a six-carbon backbone with hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to each carbon except for the one that forms part of the aldehyde group.
Glucose also plays a central role in biology, where it is a primary energy source for many living organisms. The organic nature of glucose allows it to participate in various biochemical processes, such as glycolysis and cellular respiration, where it is broken down to release energy.
In contrast, inorganic compounds do not typically contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Examples of inorganic compounds include salts, minerals, and metals. While there are some exceptions, the general rule is that if a compound contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, it is considered organic. Since glucose contains both carbon and hydrogen in a specific arrangement, it qualifies as an organic compound. Therefore, glucose is a classic example of an organic compound due to its structure and composition.