D-Glucose monohydrate is the crystalline form of the simple sugar glucose (also known as dextrose) that includes one molecule of water (H?O) per molecule of glucose in its crystal structure. Here's a detailed chemical breakdown:

1. Chemical Formula

• Molecular Formula: $\mathrm{C}{\phantom{}}_6\mathrm{H}{\phantom{}}_{12}\mathrm{O}{\phantom{}}_6?\mathrm{H}{\phantom{}}_2\mathrm{O}$CX6HX12OX6 ?HX2O
  

• Glucose (anhydrous): C?H??O?

• Water: H?O

• Molar Mass:

• Glucose: 180.16 g/mol

• Water: 18.02 g/mol

• Total: 198.18 g/mol

2. Chemical Structure

• Core Molecule: D-Glucose (an aldose sugar with 6 carbons).

• Exists primarily in the cyclic pyranose form (6-membered ring) in solid state.

• The "D-" prefix denotes the stereochemistry at C5 (OH group on the right in Fischer projection).

• Hydration: The water molecule is stoichiometrically bound in the crystal lattice via hydrogen bonds, but not covalently attached to glucose.

Key Features:

3. Key Properties

4. Formation & Stability

• Crystallization: Forms when glucose solutions crystallize below 50°C.

• Dehydration:

• When heated > 50°C → loses H?O → converts to anhydrous β-D-glucose.

• Further heating melts anhydrous glucose (mp ~146°C).

5. Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Excipient in tablets (binder/filler) due to stability and low hygroscopicity.

• Food Industry:

• Sweetener in baked goods, candies, and beverages.

• Humectant (retains moisture) in packaged foods.

• Medical Use: Intravenous rehydration solutions (provides rapid energy).

• Laboratory Reagent: Carbon source in microbial culture media.

6. Difference from Anhydrous Glucose

7. Safety & Handling

• Non-toxic: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA.

• Precaution: Avoid high temperatures/moisture to prevent caking or premature dehydration.

Why the Monohydrate Form?

The bound water optimizes crystal packing via H-bonding, enhancing stability for storage and transport compared to the more reactive anhydrous form. This makes it preferred in industrial applications where moisture control is critical.