The general formula for carbohydrates is Cₓ(H₂O)ᵧ. The term “carbohydrate” originates from the idea that these compounds are hydrates of carbon, as seen in the molecular formula of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
What is the general formula for carbohydrates, and how does it relate to the origin of the term “carbohydrate”?
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The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH₂O)n, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms. This formula reflects the basic ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen in carbohydrates. The term “carbohydrate” originates from its empirical formula, suggesting a composition of carbon and water. Carbohydrates are organic compounds that serve as a primary source of energy in living organisms. The name “carbohydrate” reflects the initial belief that these compounds have a general formula of (CH₂O), emphasizing their relationship to water, as they were initially thought to be hydrates of carbon.