I can't seem to find the answer to this anywhere. Could a chemistry expert help me out?
2007-01-21 14:57:21 · 6 answers · asked by Tres S 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It sort of depends on the usage of the word "carbohydrate". The word can mean slightly different things depending on if it is used by a nutritionist, a chef, or a chemist. In the two definitions below
(the first from an online American Heritage Dictionary and the second from a medical dictionary), ethanol does not meet the first but does meet the second definition of carbohydrate.
The second definition includes the phrase: Carbohydrates can also be defined chemically as neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Ethanol is a neutral compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
So, the answer is, yes, ethanol can be considered a carbohydrate, and no, it will not be included in many uses of the term.
car·bo·hy·drate
Any of a group of organic compounds that includes sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums and serves as a major energy source in the diet of animals. These compounds are produced by photosynthetic plants and contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in the ratio 1:2:1.
Carbohydrate: Mainly sugars and starches, together constituting one of the three principal types of nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Carbohydrates can also be defined chemically as neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
2007-01-21 15:08:18 · answer #1 · answered by enginerd 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In terms of energy production, ethanol is not considered a carb. Carbohydrates yield 4 kcals per gram. Ethanol yields 7 kcals per gram. And. of course, fats yield 9 kcals per gram. So, at least for the purposes of calculating caloric intake, ethanol would be considered separately from carbohydrates.
Hope this is helpful for you. Best wishes.
2007-01-21 15:05:07 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love the answers that you got. They are adamant that alcohol is or is not a carbohydrate.
The answer is yes or no. Clinically it has calories like a carbohydrate and is metabolized the same way as carbohydrates. But, it has been given its own category of food.
2007-01-21 15:28:02 · answer #3 · answered by a simple man 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Ethanol is an alcohol. Carbohydrates are hydroxylated aldehydes or ketones.
Ethanol's formula is CH3-CH2-OH. Molecules with a CH2-OH group are alcohols.
2007-01-21 15:08:30 · answer #4 · answered by mystick358 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, Ethanol is an alcohol. in fact it is the alcohol that you find in alcoholic drinks and is responsible for making you drunk and puking all over the floor, and sleeping with that girl you really didnt find that atractive while sober.....
2007-01-21 15:04:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ethanol is a monohydric primary alcohol.
2007-01-21 15:02:58 · answer #6 · answered by ToolManJobber 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋