Starch

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

IUPAC: Starch

CAS: 9005-25-8

Overview

Starch is a polysaccharide that plants use to store energy. It consists of two polymers: amylose (linear) and amylopectin (branched). It is the most important carbohydrate in the human diet, providing about 50% of caloric intake in most populations.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 10 1.0080
Carbon C 6 12.0110
Oxygen O 5 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×10
6.2%
C
Carbon ×6
44.4%
O
Oxygen ×5
49.3%

Uses

  • • Dietary staple (rice, wheat, potatoes, corn)
  • • Paper sizing and coating
  • • Textile stiffening
  • • Biodegradable packaging

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The iodine starch test (turns blue-black) is one of the most well-known chemistry tests

Safety

  • ⚠ Generally safe
  • ⚠ Excessive refined starch intake linked to metabolic disease

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
162.14 g/mol
Density
1.5000 g/cm³
Solubility
insoluble (forms colloid in hot water)

Also Known As

Amylum

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Starch?
Starch ((C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Starch.
What is the molecular weight of Starch?
Starch has a molar mass of 162.141 g/mol.
What state is Starch at room temperature?
Starch is a solid at room temperature.
Is Starch organic or inorganic?
Starch is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Starch?
Starch ((C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).