What is essentially the difference between the α-form and β-form of glucose? Explain.
Solution
The cyclisation of glucose creates a new stereocentre at C-1. The two forms differ \textit{only} there: in \textbf{α-D-glucose} the C-1 hydroxyl points opposite to the CHOH side (rotation +112°); in \textbf{β-D-glucose} it points the same side (+19°). Such C-1 isomers are called \textbf{anomers}, interconverting in solution (mutarotation).
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2011 · Delhi · Subjective