α Anomer

Definition

An α anomer is one of two stereoisomers (specifically anomers) of a cyclic saccharide that differs at the anomeric carbon, with the -OH group opposite the methoxy (-OCH3) or methylene (-CH2OH) group in the cyclic structure. In the case of glucose, it is when the -OH on the anomeric carbon is trans (opposite side) to the CH2OH group.

Related terms

β Anomer:

The β anomer is another form of anomer where the -OH on the anomeric carbon is cis (same side) to the CH2OH group in a cyclic saccharide.

Anomeric Carbon:

The carbon atom in a cyclic saccharide that was part of the carbonyl group (C=O) before cyclization, which becomes a new chiral center leading to anomers.

Mutarotation:

The process by which α and β anomers interconvert in solution via the open-chain form, changing the optical rotation of the solution