Chapter 20, Problem 20.74CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the $\text{α}\text{and}\text{β}$ forms of monosaccharides are enantiomers of each other has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Enantiomers are the compounds that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Haworth projection is used to represent sugars in their cyclic forms.

In Haworth projection,

$\text{α}$-indicates the $–OH$ group of anomeric carbon $C1$ and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}$ substituent on the $C5$ carbon is trans to each other. $\beta$-indicates the $–OH$ group of anomeric carbon $C2$ and ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}$ substituent on the $C5$ carbon is cis to each other.