Question

$\alpha$-D-glucose and $\beta$-D-glucose are

• A. stereoisomers
• B. enantiomers
• C. epimers
• D. anomers

Hint:

$\alpha$ vs $\beta$ at the first carbon = Anomers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept
When glucose forms a cyclic structure, the carbonyl carbon (C1) becomes a new chiral center, known as the anomeric carbon.

Step 2: Meaning
Anomers are a specific type of isomer that differ only in the configuration around this anomeric carbon.

Step 3: Analysis
In $\alpha$-D-glucose, the —OH group at C1 is on the opposite side of the ring from the $CH_2OH$ group; in $\beta$-D-glucose, they are on the same side.

Step 4: Conclusion
These two forms are specifically termed anomers. Final Answer: (D)