Question

John tried to separate sugar from its solution using the evaporation method. However, he was unsuccessful. Which of the following is the likely reason?

• A. There was insufficient sugar in the solution
• B. He had forgotten to stir the solution during heating
• C. The sugar had decomposed
• D. The sugar had vaporised.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The sugar had decomposed

John tried to separate sugar from its solution using the evaporation method. However, he was unsuccessful as the sugar had decomposed. When you sugar (sucrose) is heated, it undergoes dehydration. The crystalline structure breaks down. Molecules decompose into glucose and fructose and then lose water and polymerize to form caramel, which is a red-orange colored solid.