Question

Write the reaction of bromine water on glucose.

Hint:

Bromine water is "mild". If a strong oxidizing agent like conc. \( HNO_3 \) were used, both the aldehyde and the primary alcohol group would be oxidized to form saccharic acid.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bromine water (\(Br_2/H_2O\)) is a mild oxidizing agent. It is specific for the oxidation of the aldehyde group (\(-CHO\)) in carbohydrates.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Glucose is an aldohexose, containing an aldehyde group at \(C1\).
When glucose is treated with bromine water, the aldehyde group is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group (\(-COOH\)).
The polyhydroxy nature of the rest of the molecule remains unchanged.
The product formed is Gluconic acid.
Chemical Equation:
\[ CHO-(CHOH)_4-CH_2OH + [O] \xrightarrow{Br_2/H_2O} COOH-(CHOH)_4-CH_2OH \]
Step 4: Final Answer: The reaction of glucose with bromine water yields Gluconic acid.