An α-anomer is a type of stereoisomer found in carbohydrates, specifically a cyclic form of monosaccharides where the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the anomeric carbon is positioned below the plane of the ring. This structural feature differentiates α-anomers from β-anomers, which have the hydroxyl group above the plane. The concept of anomers plays a crucial role in understanding the stereochemistry of sugars and their reactivity.
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