Question:medium

Glucose on prolonged heating with $HI$ gives :

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • n-Hexane
  • 1-Hexene
  • Hexanoic acid
  • 6-iodohexanal
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine the product formed when glucose is heated with hydrogen iodide ($HI$), we must consider the chemical reaction process and the nature of glucose.

Glucose is a monosaccharide with the molecular formula C_6H_{12}O_6. When glucose is subjected to prolonged heating with $HI$, it undergoes a reduction reaction. In this process, $HI$ acts as a reducing agent, converting the glucose into a simpler alkane, specifically $n$-hexane.

  1. Glucose is reduced to remove its hydroxyl groups and oxygen atoms, leading to the formation of an alkane.
  2. The reaction proceeds through successive removal of functional groups until a saturated hydrocarbon chain is formed.
  3. The resulting compound, n-hexane, is a straight-chain alkane with the formula C_6H_{14}.

The reduction of glucose with $HI$ is a classic laboratory reaction demonstrating the ability of hydrogen iodide to reduce organic compounds by fully substituting oxygen atoms with hydrogen atoms, in this case forming a saturated hydrocarbon.

Conclusion: The correct answer is n-Hexane. Thus, the prolonged heating of glucose with $HI$ yields n-hexane.

Other options:

  • 1-Hexene: A possible compound from dehydration reactions but not formed in this reduction process.
  • Hexanoic acid: An entirely different functional group product requiring oxidation rather than reduction.
  • 6-iodohexanal: Would require selective iodination rather than complete reduction to an alkane.
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