Question

How does solubility differ between small versus large carbohydrates? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer with Explanation:

Small and large carbohydrates have diverse structural properties. Such property allow them to have different solubility.

Solubility is a chemical property of a substance that allows it to dissolve in a given solvent.

Carbohydrates are made up of "monosaccharides." These are simple sugars and are considered small carbohydrates. On the contrary, "polysaccharide" is an example of a large carbohydrate. Monosaccharides are soluble in water while many polysaccharides are not soluble in water.

The high solubility of monosaccharides is mainly due to the presence of hydroxide (OH) groups. These groups are always ready to bond with water (H₂O). Many polysaccharides are not soluble in water because of intermolecular interactions that prevents it from binding with water. Its dissolution process is different when compared to the smaller molecules.

So, this explains the answer.