S

Sucrose

IUPAC: (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol

C12H22O11 Organic Compounds CAS 57-50-1
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC12H22O11
CAS Number57-50-1
Molecular Weight342.30
Melting Point320 to 367 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointDecomposes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSucrose appears as white odorless crystalline or powdery solid. Denser than water.
Also Known As(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol; 57-50-1; saccharose; sugar; Table sugar; Cane sugar; White sugar; Saccharum; Microse; Rock candy
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Sucrose?

Sucrose is a glycosyl glycoside formed by glucose and fructose units joined by an acetal oxygen bridge from hemiacetal of glucose to the hemiketal of the fructose. It has a role as an osmolyte, a sweetening agent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite.

Formula & Notation

C12H22O11

IUPAC Name: (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol

Other Names / Synonyms: (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol; 57-50-1; saccharose; sugar; Table sugar; Cane sugar; White sugar; Saccharum; Microse; Rock candy

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sucrose appears as white odorless crystalline or powdery solid. Denser than water.. Molecular formula: C12H22O11. Molecular weight: 342.30 g/mol. Boiling point: Decomposes (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 320 to 367 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: -3.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point320 to 367 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointDecomposes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight342.30
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSucrose appears as white odorless crystalline or powdery solid. Denser than water.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sucrose
Formula C12H22O11
CAS Number 57-50-1
Molecular Weight 342.30
Synonyms (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol; 57-50-1; saccharose; sugar; Table sugar; Cane sugar; White sugar; Saccharum; Microse; Rock candy

Frequently Asked Questions

Sucrose is a glycosyl glycoside formed by glucose and fructose units joined by an acetal oxygen bridge from hemiacetal of glucose to the hemiketal of the fructose. It has a role as an osmolyte, a sweetening agent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.