The word carbohydrate is derived from carbon and water (hydrate). Why does this combination correctly describes this chemical group.?

Question

The word carbohydrate is derived from carbon and water (hydrate).  Why does this combination correctly describes this chemical group.?

Lydia Adams · Accepted Answer

When Carbohydrates are burned (decomposed ) they break down into carbon and water.

The formula for glucose sugar is # C_6H_12O_6# If the compound is broken down it results in # 6 C + 6 H_2O# six carbon atoms and six water molecules. A good experiment to demonstrate this is to fill a beaker about 1/4 full with graduated sucrose sugar and pour concentrated sulfuric acid about 1/3 deep into the beaker. The water will rise above the beaker as steam due to the hydrophilic nature of the sulfuric acid, which will break apart the sucrose sugar molecule. The sugar will turn brown and a black carbon cone will emerge from the sugar sulfuric acid solution, rising to the top of the beaker. This experiment demonstrates that the only ingredients in carbohydrate sugar are carbon and water.

Oliver Antoine · Answer

undefined The term "carbohydrate" accurately describes this chemical group because it is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a ratio that resembles that of water (H2O), hence the term "hydrate." Carbohydrates are organic compounds that consist of these elements, typically with the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen being 2:1, similar to that in water.