What is the primary reason for comparing sugars by weight rather than moles in experiments involving sucrose and monosaccharides?

The primary reason for comparing sugars by weight rather than moles in experiments involving sucrose and monosaccharides lies in the fact that sucrose yields more moles after hydrolysis. When sucrose is hydrolyzed, it breaks down into two monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), effectively doubling the number of moles of sugar present in the solution. This increase in moles is significant because it influences the concentration of sugars in reactions and measurements.

By considering the weight of the sugars instead of strictly comparing their mole quantities, researchers can better account for this difference in behavior during hydrolysis. Since sucrose produces additional moles, measuring by weight ensures that the comparative analysis accurately reflects the actual concentration of reactive species in a solution. Disregarding this factor and focusing solely on mole amounts could lead to misunderstanding the dynamics involved in the reactions being studied.

In practical terms, the method of measuring by weight simplifies many experimental procedures, enhances accuracy in certain contexts, and aligns well with how substances behave chemically, particularly when hydrolysis is a factor in the experiment.