Question

Hydrolysis of sucrose is called:
A) mutarotation
B)saponification
C) inversion
D) de-esterification

Answer 1

To solve this question, we must first understand some basic concepts about Sucrose and its hydrolysis. Then we need to assess the Hydrolysis of sucrose and then conclude which of the following options can be referred to as Hydrolysis of Sucrose and then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic concepts about Sucrose:
Sucrose is common sugar. It is a disaccharide, a molecule composed of two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose. Sucrose is produced naturally in plants, from which table sugar is refined. It has the molecular formula ${C_{12}}{H_{22}}{O_{11}}$ .
For human consumption, sucrose is extracted and refined from either sugarcane or sugar beet. Sugar mills – typically located in tropical regions near where sugarcane is grown – crush the cane and produce raw sugar which is shipped to other factories for refining into pure sucrose.
Hydrolysis of Sucrose:
When sucrose is hydrolysed, the direction of rotation of plane polarized light becomes inverted. Hydrolysis of sucrose brings about a change in the sign of rotation, from dextro $\left( + \right)$ to laevo $\left( - \right)$ and the product is named as invert sugar. This is why it is called an inversion of sucrose. It is an important reaction and is catalysed in an acidic medium. Hydrolysis of sucrose to give glucose and fructose is called inversion.
So, clearly we can conclude that the correct answer is Option C.

Note: In nature, sucrose is present in many plants, and in particular their roots, fruits and nectars, because it serves as a way to store energy, primarily from photosynthesis. Many mammals, birds, insects and bacteria accumulate and feed on the sucrose in plants and for some it is their main food source.