Question

\(\alpha\)-D-glucose and \(\beta\)-D-glucose differ from each other with respect to the:

• A. size of the hemiacetal ring \hspace{1cm}
• B. configuration at the C₂ carbon
• C. number of -OH groups \hspace{1cm}
• D. configuration at the C₁ carbon

Hint:

The \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) forms of glucose are anomers, and their difference lies in the configuration of the hydroxyl group at the anomeric carbon (C1 in glucose).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The defining distinction between \(\alpha\)-D-glucose and \(\beta\)-D-glucose lies in the stereochemistry at the C₂ carbon. Specifically, the hydroxyl group at C₂ is oriented trans to the CH₂OH group in \(\alpha\)-D-glucose, whereas in \(\beta\)-D-glucose, it is oriented cis.