JAMB - Chemistry (2025 - No. 30)
Carbohydrates can generally be represented by the general formula C\(_x\)(H\(_2\)O)\(_y\), for fructose the value for "X" is
3
12
5
6
Explanation
Fructose is a monosaccharide with the molecular formula C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\). When represented by the general formula C\(_x\)(H2O)\(_y\), it can be written as C\(_6\)(H\(_2\)O)\(_6\). Therefore, the value for "X" (the number of carbon atoms) is 6.
A. 3 is incorrect because a 3-carbon sugar (triose) like glyceraldehyde has the formula
C\(_3\)H\(_6\)O\(_3\), which is not fructose.
B. 12 is incorrect because 12 carbons indicates a disaccharide (like sucrose,C\(_{12}\)H\(_{22}\)O\(_{11}\)) or a polysaccharide, not a single fructose molecule.
C. 5 is incorrect because a 5-carbon sugar (pentose) like ribose has the formula C\(_5\)H\(_{10}\)O\(_5\), which is not fructose.
The correct answer is option D.
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