Can someone discuss to me briefly the actions of acids and alkalies on carbohydrates?

Question

I need it for my homework in biochem....plz...tnc happy holidays

Answer 1

This will depend upon both the carbohydrate and the acid or alkali used.

The most extreme example is the reaction of a simple carbohydrate (like sucrose) with concentrated Sulfuric acid. This is a violent reaction which generates heat and carbonizes the sugar (see the first reference below).

A similar reaction between concentrated strong alkalis and carbohydrates is one of the reasons that Drano drain cleaner (Sodium hydroxide) works as well as it does.

Linked carbohydrates (dimers to polymers) are often broken down into monomers using acids or alkalis in aqueous solutions. Some, like cellulose, will not easily react.

Biological reactions of carbohydrates, especially those involving enzymes, are often highly dependent upon the acidity or alkalinity of the solution. Some enzymes, like amylase, will only be active in basic solution while others require an acidic solution.

Answer 2

There is nothing about organic chemistry that can be explained briefly.