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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: chemchick on August 30, 2004, 09:59:16 PM

Title: combustion of glucose
Post by: chemchick on August 30, 2004, 09:59:16 PM

can you please help me determine the hypothetical balanced equation of the combustion of glucose (aerobic) into lactate acid.

C6H12O6 + O2 ----------> CH3CH(OH)COOH ?

Thanks

Title: Re:combustion of glucose
Post by: AWK on August 31, 2004, 02:03:16 AM

In living organisms glucose is transformed into lactic acid without need of oxygen
(anaerobic process)
C6H12O6  ----------> 2CH3CH(OH)COOH

Direct chemical oxidation of glucose to lactic acid is impossible since need rearrangement of carbon-oxygen bonds. In this way only oxalic acid can be obtained.

Title: Re:combustion of glucose
Post by: jdurg on August 31, 2004, 08:44:22 AM

Also, the hormone insulin plays a HUGE role in the breakdown of glucose.  I'm not 100% sure if it just helps move the glucose molecule into the cells of body, or if it plays a role in holding the glucose molecule while other reactions occur, but without it you have a problem.  (Being a diabetic, I should know.   :P)  Without insulin, the body will get its energy from another source which would be the breakdown of fats into ketones.  

Title: Re:combustion of glucose
Post by: Donaldson Tan on September 01, 2004, 01:33:10 AM

Quote from: chemchick on August 30, 2004, 09:59:16 PM

can you please help me determine the hypothetical balanced equation of the combustion of glucose (aerobic) into lactate acid.

C6H12O6 + O2 ----------> CH3CH(OH)COOH ?

Thanks

Did you mean the overall equation for anaerobic respiration for the oxidation of glucose to lactic acid?