Question

Methyl $\alpha - D - glucoside$ and $methyl\beta - D - glucoside$ are:
A. Epimers
B. Anomers
C. Conformational diastereomers
D. Enantiomers

Answer 1

In order to answer this question, to know the correct term for the given compounds name, we should go through the configuration of both the compounds, and then match with the explanation of the optional terms.

Complete step by step answer:
$Methyl\alpha - D - glucoside$ and $methyl\beta - D - glucoside$ differ in configuration at $C - 1$ , and hence they are anomers.
An anomer is a type of geometric variation found at certain atoms in carbohydrate molecules. An epimer is a stereoisomer that varies in setup at any single stereogenic focus. An anomer is an epimer at the hemiacetal/hemiketal carbon in a cyclic saccharide, a particle called the anomeric carbon. The anomeric carbon is the carbon obtained from the carbonyl carbon compound (the ketone or aldehyde utilitarian gathering) of the open-chain type of the starch particle. Anomerization is the interaction of change of one anomer to the next. As is run of the mill for stereoisomeric compounds, distinctive anomers have diverse actual properties, dissolving focuses and explicit pivots.
Anomerization is the process of conversion of one anomer to the other. For reducing sugars, anomerization is referred to as mutarotation and occurs readily in solution and is catalyzed by acid and base. This reversible process typically leads to an anomeric mixture in which eventually an equilibrium is reached between the two single anomers.

So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: Anomers are a unique type of stereoisomer that exist in carbohydrates and carbohydrates are a very special type of organic molecule that are necessary for life, as they provide energy to almost all living organisms.