What is the reaction between glucose and water?      

Expert Answers

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Glucose does not dissociate when dissolved in water. In comparison, a substance like sodium chloride, dissociates into sodium and chloride ions when mixed with water. And the chemical equation for that is

`NaCl -> Na^+ + Cl^-`

Since glucose does not dissociate, it simply converts from solid to the aqueous form as per the following equation:

`C_6H_12O_6 (s) + H_2O -> C_6H_12O_6 (aq)`

In general, we are more interested in oxidation of glucose in our body. When glucose reacts with oxygen, cellular respiration takes place and carbon dioxide, water and energy molecules are released. Here is the relevant equation:

`C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2 -> 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP`

Here ATP or adenosine triphosphate are the energy molecules. This is the reaction which produces energy in our body and that of animals.

Hope this helps. 

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