Sucrose is not an electrolyte because it will not generate charged ions when it is dissolved in water.

I. Structure of electrolyte

Electrolyte refers to substances that can be decomposed into positive and negative ions in water, such as hydrochloric acid, salt and sulfuric acid. When these substances are dissolved in water, they will form a conductive solution.

When sucrose is dissolved in water, only the hydrogen bond between molecules is replaced by water molecules, and no chemical reaction occurs. Sucrose molecules remain intact and will not produce charged ions. Therefore, sucrose solution cannot conduct electricity, so it is not an electrolyte.

II. Structure of Sucrose

Sucrose is a disaccharide, which is formed by connecting a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule through condensation reaction. There are many oxygen atoms and hydrogen atoms in sucrose molecules, and hydrogen bonds are formed between them. Hydrogen bond is a weak chemical bond, which can be easily broken by water molecules.

iii. Structure of water

Water is a polar molecule, which consists of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen atoms in water molecules attract electrons more than hydrogen atoms, so water molecules show positive and negative poles. There are also hydrogen bonds between water molecules, which make water have high boiling point and surface tension.

iv. Dissolution process of sucrose in water

When sucrose is put into water, water molecules will surround sucrose molecules and form a hydration layer. The anode of water molecules will attract oxygen atoms in sucrose molecules, and the cathode of water molecules will attract hydrogen atoms in sucrose molecules.

in this way, water molecules will replace the hydrogen bonds between sucrose molecules, making sucrose molecules change from solid state to liquid state. This process is only a physical change and does not change the structure and properties of sucrose molecules. Sucrose molecule is still a complete organic molecule, without breaking into small fragments or charged ions.

electrolytes and human health

1. maintaining osmotic pressure and water balance of body fluids

electrolytes refer to substances that can be decomposed into charged particles in water, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The concentration of electrolyte inside and outside the cell is different, resulting in osmotic pressure difference, so that water can flow freely inside and outside the cell and maintain the constancy of body fluid. If the intake or discharge of electrolyte is unbalanced, it will lead to disorder of water distribution, dehydration or water poisoning and other symptoms.

2. Participate in the stress and substance metabolism of nerve and muscle

The change of electrolyte concentration inside and outside the cell will affect the potential of cell membrane, thus changing the excitability of nerve and muscle. Sodium and potassium ions are the main factors of nerve impulse conduction, while calcium and magnesium ions are involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. In addition, electrolyte also acts as an auxiliary factor or activator of enzymes and participates in the metabolic process of many substances.

3. Adjust the acid-base balance of body fluids

The pH of body fluids refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions in body fluids, which is expressed by pH value. The pH value in normal people is about 7.4, and deviation from this range will affect the normal function of the body. Electrolytes can adjust the pH value of body fluids by forming buffer pairs or participating in acid-base excretion.