Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: $\beta$-lactose anhydride is the common form of lactose crystals.
Statement II: $\alpha$-lactose monohydrate crystallises at a temperature above 95$^\circ$C from saturated solution of lactose.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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Remember the lactose crystallization threshold: - Below 95$^\circ$C $\rightarrow$ $\alpha$-lactose monohydrate (most common). - Above 95$^\circ$C $\rightarrow$ $\beta$-lactose anhydride.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lactose is a disaccharide that can exist in different crystalline and amorphous states.
The specific crystalline form that precipitates from a saturated aqueous solution depends on the temperature at which crystallization occurs.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement I: The most common, stable form of lactose crystals found in ordinary dairy products (such as milk powder, whey powder, and sweetened condensed milk) is $\alpha$-lactose monohydrate.
$\beta$-lactose anhydride is highly soluble and less common, typically obtained only under specific high-temperature conditions. Thus, Statement I is false.
- Statement II: The transition temperature for lactose crystallization in water is 95$^\circ$C.
When lactose is crystallized from a saturated solution at temperatures below 95$^\circ$C, the crystal form that precipitates is $\alpha$-lactose monohydrate.
If crystallization occurs at temperatures above 95$^\circ$C, the form that precipitates is $\beta$-lactose (specifically $\beta$-lactose anhydride).
Therefore, Statement II is false because $\alpha$-lactose monohydrate does not crystallize above 95$^\circ$C.
Consequently, both Statement I and Statement II are false.

Step 3: Final Answer

The correct option is (B).
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