Combustion of Sucrose

C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ + 12O₂ → 12CO₂ + 11H₂O

Overview

Sucrose (table sugar) burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. When ignited directly, sugar burns slowly. However, when mixed with potassium chlorate or concentrated sulfuric acid, it reacts much more vigorously. The energy content of sugar is about 4 kcal/gram.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁	1	(s)
Reactant	Oxygen O	12	(g)
Product	Water H₂O	11	(l)
Product	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	12	(g)

Everyday Example

The energy value listed on food labels (calories) is determined by measuring the heat of combustion of the food in a bomb calorimeter.

Industrial Importance

Bomb calorimetry of food products measures their combustion energy. Sugar combustion energy data is fundamental to food science and nutrition.

Properties

Type: Combustion
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -5644.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Combustion of Acetylene Combustion of Benzene Combustion of Butane Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Cyclohexane Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glucose (Cellular Respiration) Combustion of Glycerol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Combustion of Sucrose?

The balanced equation is: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ + 12O₂ → 12CO₂ + 11H₂O.

What type of reaction is Combustion of Sucrose?

Combustion of Sucrose is a combustion reaction.

Is Combustion of Sucrose exothermic or endothermic?

Combustion of Sucrose is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -5644.0 kJ/mol.