Problem 11 - 43 Years JEE ADVANCED (1978-2020) + JEE MAIN Chapterwise & Topicwise Solved Papers Chemistry

Question

Which artificial sweetener contains chlorine ? (a) Sucralose (b) Alitame (c) Aspartame (d) Saccharin

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Sucralose contains chlorine.

Step 1: Identifying Options

We are given four artificial sweeteners to choose from: Sucralose, Alitame, Aspartame, and Saccharin.

Step 2: Understanding Sucralose

Sucralose is a chlorinated derivative of sucrose. Its chemical structure contains chlorine atoms.

Step 3: Examining Other Options

Alitame does not contain chlorine; it is composed primarily of amino acids. Aspartame is also an amino acid-based sweetener and does not contain chlorine. Saccharin is a sulfonamide compound and does not contain chlorine.

Step 4: Concluding

Based on the structural composition of these sweeteners, Sucralose is the only compound that contains chlorine.

Key Concepts

Sucralose

Sucralose is a popular artificial sweetener known for being much sweeter than sugar. Because of its high sweetness, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness in foods and beverages. It is often found in products marketed as low-calorie or sugar-free. One of the unique aspects of sucralose is its stability under heat and across a wide range of pH levels. This quality makes it a favored choice in baking and cooking. Unlike some other sweeteners, sucralose does not break down during digestion, meaning it does not contribute calories or affect blood sugar levels.

Chlorinated Compounds

Chlorinated compounds are a broad category of chemicals containing chlorine atoms. Sucralose belongs to this category as its chemical structure includes chlorine atoms. Chlorine is a halogen and often imparts stability to compounds, which is why sucralose maintains its sweetness under high temperatures.
The presence of chlorine in sucralose was a deliberate modification to create a sweetener that the body does not metabolize. This way, sucralose passes through the digestive system without being absorbed, providing no calories. Such chlorinated compounds are also less likely to be converted into energy, further contributing to the calorie-free nature of sucralose. It is important to note that the chlorine in sucralose is very different from the chlorine found in household bleach or swimming pools, being tightly bound in the molecular structure, rendering it safe for consumption.

Chemical Structure

The chemical structure of a compound determines many of its properties. For sucralose, its chemical structure is derived from sucrose, the common table sugar. Through a chemical process, three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced with chlorine atoms.
These substitutions are what fundamentally change its caloric impact and sweetness level. The molecular formula for sucralose is C\(_{12}\)H\(_{19}\)Cl\(_{3}\)O\(_8\). This incorporation of three chlorine atoms at specific positions is crucial to its intense sweetness and stability.
Such chemical alterations prevent enzymes from breaking sucralose down in the body, thereby preventing caloric intake from its consumption. Understanding chemical structure is essential in many fields, including food science and medicinal chemistry, as it helps in predicting how different substances will behave under varied conditions.