What is the molecular formula of Glucose?

The story behind the answer

C6H12O6 is the molecular formula of glucose—a six-carbon (hexose) monosaccharide. Its atoms fit the pattern (CH2O)6, which is a classic hallmark of simple sugars. By contrast, C2H4O2 is acetic acid (vinegar component), CH4 is methane, and K+ is a potassium ion, not a molecule.

Glucose is the body’s primary fuel: cells break it down via glycolysis and cellular respiration to make ATP, and plants make it during photosynthesis. It can form ring structures (alpha and beta) and has isomers like fructose that share the formula but differ in atom arrangement. Memory tip: “Glucose = 6-12-6,” like an easy-to-remember number sequence, and “hexose” hints at its six carbons.