Inversion of Sucrose

       In this experiment you will determine the pseudo first order rate constant (what is meant by the term pseudo first order?) governing the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose.   Since all the sugars are optically active the progress of the reaction will be followed by measuring how the total optical rotation of the reaction mixture changes with time.   Both the HCl and ClCH₂COOH catalyzed hydrolysis will be studied.  The theoretical background, materials and chemicals, experimental procedure, data, calculations, and references for this experiment are all described in detail in the MS Word document Inversion of Sucrose.

Safety

    Both 4.00 M hydrochloric and monochloroacetic acids are caustic acids and you should avoid contact with either of these acids on the skin or your clothing. If you do come into contact with these acids, immediately wash the area of contact with copious amounts of water.