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What role do electrons play in dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

a) Electrons are released in dehydration synthesis; absorbed in hydrolysis
b) Electrons are absorbed in dehydration synthesis; released in hydrolysis
c) Electrons are not involved in either process
d) Electrons are consumed in both processes

User Yuyang He
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In dehydration synthesis, electrons are shared between molecules as they form a new covalent bond, while in hydrolysis, electron transfer helps break the covalent bond and allows the water molecule to be added. None of the provided choices accurately describe the electron involvement in these processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Electrons in Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis

Dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis are two types of chemical reactions that are crucial in the formation and breakdown of polymers. In dehydration synthesis, two molecules are joined together by a covalent bond, with the removal of a water molecule. One molecule provides a hydrogen atom (H), and the other provides a hydroxyl group (OH). During this process, electrons are shared between the molecules as they form a new covalent bond. Conversely, hydrolysis is the reaction where a water molecule is added to a substance, which causes it to split into two molecules. In hydrolysis, electrons are transferred to help break the covalent bond and facilitate the addition of the H and OH components of water to the resulting molecules.

In the context of the provided choices, none of them accurately describe the involvement of electrons in these processes. Thus, the correct answer to the question is not provided in the options. In both dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis, the sharing and transferring of electrons are essential for the removal and addition of a water molecule, respectively, which leads to the formation or breakdown of covalent bonds between monomers in polymers.

User Nat Taylor
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