Which of the following statements best describes mutarotation?
A) The open chain, α-anomer and β-anomer of a sugar are in equilibrium in solution.
B) The sugar spins around (rotates) in solution.
C) The sugar mutates in solution.
D) The sugar decomposes in solution.
E) The sugar both spins around and mutates in solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mutarotation refers to the spontaneous formation of an equilibrium mixture of the α-anomer and β-anomer forms of a sugar molecule in aqueous solution. The process involves the cyclic hemiacetal form of the sugar opening up and forming an aldehyde or ketone group, which can then rotate and form a new hemiacetal bond in either the α or β configuration. This results in a dynamic equilibrium between the open chain form and the two cyclic forms.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes Mutarotation