Name the epimers of d-glucose.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that epimers are stereoisomers that differ in configuration at only one stereogenic center.
2. Recall that D-glucose is an aldohexose with the chemical formula C6H12O6 and has four chiral centers.
3. Identify the chiral centers in D-glucose, which are at carbon atoms C2, C3, C4, and C5.
4. Determine the epimers of D-glucose by changing the configuration at each of these chiral centers one at a time, while keeping the others the same.
5. Recognize that the most common epimers of D-glucose are D-mannose (epimer at C2) and D-galactose (epimer at C4).

Key Concepts

Epimers

Epimers are a specific type of diastereomer that differ in configuration at only one stereogenic center. In the context of carbohydrates, epimers are sugars that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms around one specific carbon atom. Understanding epimers is crucial for distinguishing between different forms of sugars, such as glucose and its derivatives.

D-Glucose Structure

D-Glucose is a six-carbon aldose sugar with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It has multiple stereocenters, specifically at carbons 2, 3, 4, and 5. The configuration of these stereocenters determines the specific form of glucose and its epimers, making it essential to know the structure of D-glucose to identify its epimers accurately.

Common Epimers of D-Glucose

The most notable epimers of D-glucose are D-mannose and D-galactose. D-mannose differs from D-glucose at the C2 carbon, while D-galactose differs at the C4 carbon. Recognizing these epimers is important in biochemistry and nutrition, as they can have different biological roles and properties despite their similar structures.