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Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a glycosyl glycoside formed from glucose and fructose units linked by an acetal oxygen bridge. It serves various roles, including functioning as an osmolyte, a sweetening agent, and a metabolite in humans, algae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), Escherichia coli, and mice. Chemically, sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose subunits, with the molecular formula C12H22O11. It is naturally produced in plants and is the primary component of white sugar. For human consumption, sucrose is extracted and refined from sugarcane or sugar beet. In the case of sugarcane, typically grown in tropical regions, sugar mills crush the cane to produce raw sugar, which is then shipped to refineries for further purification. Sugar beet, grown in temperate climates, is processed directly into refined sugar in nearby factories. The refining process involves washing raw sugar crystals, dissolving them into a syrup, filtering, and decolorizing with carbon. The syrup is then concentrated by boiling under a vacuum and crystallized to produce pure sucrose crystals that are clear, odorless, and sweet. Sucrose is widely used as an added ingredient in food production and various recipes. Globally, a significant amount of sugar is produced annually, with about 185 million tonnes reported in 2017.However, sucrose poses dental health risks. It is particularly dangerous for tooth decay because the Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth convert sucrose into a sticky, extracellular, dextran-based polysaccharide. This process enables the bacteria to adhere to the teeth and form dental plaque. Sucrose is unique in its ability to be used by these bacteria to form this sticky polysaccharide, making it a significant factor in the development of cavities and other dental issues.

GHS Hazard Statements

Not Classified

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 412 of 429 companies (only ~ 4% companies provided GHS information). For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

First Aid

Eyes: Check for and remove contact lenses, then flush the eyes with water or saline for 20-30 minutes while contacting medical help. Avoid applying anything to the eyes unless directed by a physician. If symptoms like redness or irritation occur, transport the victim to a hospital immediately.

Skin: Immediately rinse the skin with water, removing any contaminated clothing. Cleanse thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation or redness appears, seek immediate medical attention and prepare for hospital transport.

Inhalation: Exit the contaminated area promptly and breathe fresh air. If respiratory symptoms develop, consult a physician and be ready to transport the victim to a hospital. Rescuers should use proper respiratory protection, preferably a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give water to dilute the chemical and immediately contact medical services. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, keep the airway clear, position them appropriately, and seek immediate medical transport (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Chemical and Physical Properties

Source: PubChem