What Is the Chemical Reaction for Burning Sugar?

The chemical reaction for the burning of sugar by the body is shown through the chemical equation C12H22O11(s) + 12 O2(g) -----> 12 CO2(g) + 11 H2O(l). In this equation, C12H22O11 is the sugar, which burns by reacting with the oxygen to create carbon dioxide and water.

When exposed to an open flame, sugar quickly burns and can ignite, potentially causing an explosion. Sugar can also burn through a chemical reaction with potassium chlorate. The reaction occurs when the heated potassium chlorate decomposes to form potassium chloride and oxygen. The oxygen then oxidizes the sugar, causing it to burn as in the above reaction.