When three molecules of a hexose sugar ( C₆H₁₂O₆ ) are joined together by glycosidic bonds to form a trisaccharide, water molecules are eliminated during the condensation process. What will be the molecular formula of the resulting trisaccharide?

Step-by-step solution

Three molecules of hexose sugar ( C₆H₁₂O₆ ) undergo condensation to form a trisaccharide. During the formation of a trisaccharide from three monosaccharides, two glycosidic bonds are formed. Each glycosidic bond formation results in the elimination of one water molecule ( H₂O ). Thus, two water molecules ( 2H₂O ) are eliminated in total. Total atoms before condensation: 3 C₆H₁₂O₆ = C₁₈H₃₆O₁₈ Atoms eliminated: 2 H₂O = H₄O₂ Molecular formula of the trisaccharide: C₁₈H₃₆O₁₈ - H₄O₂ = C₁₈H₃₂O₁₆ Answer: C₁₈H₃₂O₁₆