Three molecules of glucose ( C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ ) are linked together to form a linear trisaccharide. What is the chemical formula of the resulting trisaccharide?

Step-by-step solution

A linear trisaccharide is formed by linking three monosaccharide units, which requires the formation of two glycosidic bonds. The formation of each glycosidic bond involves a dehydration reaction (removal of one water molecule, H ₂ O ). Thus, two water molecules ( H ₄ O ₂ ) are removed in total. Total atoms before dehydration: 3 C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ = C ₁₈ H ₃₆ O ₁₈ Subtracting two water molecules: C ₁₈ H ₃₆ O ₁₈ - H ₄ O ₂ = C ₁₈ H ₃₂ O ₁₆ Therefore, the correct formula is C ₁₈ H ₃₂ O ₁₆ . Answer: C ₁₈ H ₃₂ O ₁₆