Lactose is a disaccharide which upon hydrolysis gives two saccharides, glucose and galactose. It was discovered by Fabriccio Bartoletti and is a solid carbohydrate which is white in colour. 2-8% of milk contains lactose and is the natural form of sugar present in it.
Properties Of Lactose
| Chemical formula | C12H22O11 |
| Molecular weight | 342.297 g/mol |
| Density | 1.525 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 202.8 °C |
| Chemical names | Milk sugar, 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucose |
Lactose Structural Formula
The structural formula of lactose is as shown in the picture. Lactose is commonly used in the pharmacy sector for manufacturing tablets. It is a non-hygroscopic solid with a sweet taste. Milk products like yoghurt, cream and fresh cheeses are also the source of lactose.
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