sugar, co2 and alcohol

[tonyhibbett]

If a kilo of sugar, volume 900 ml, dissolved in water to 4.5 litres, produces 11% alcohol, 0.495 litres, does this mean that about 400 ml of the dissolved sugar turns into carbon dioxide?

 

[evanvine]

does this mean that about 400 ml of the dissolved sugar turns into carbon dioxide?

Sounds reasonable, but does it matter as long as you get the alcohol?

 

[jamesb]

The sugar itself doesn't turn to CO2.

I'll keep it simple. I'm sure Aleman will be along shortly with more complicated bits about glycosis and pyruvates.

Yeast breaks down sugars into alcohol and c02.

C6H12O6 > 2C2H5OH + 2CO2

It's always in proportion. You can't put in less sugar and hope to get more alcohol and less c02.