Inversion of light polarization by sucrose hydrolysis

In this experiment you will study the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sucrose.

Objectives

In this experiment you will determine the mechanism of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sucrose. According to Harnrnett-Zucker hypothesis, there are two possible mechanisms for the reaction. You will learn how to distinguish between them by analysis of the polarization of light. The article "Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Sucrose - A student study of a reaction mechanism" by J. G. Dawber, D. R. Brown and R. A. Reed, which can be downloaded from the "Recommended Literature" section, will help you understand the experiment.