Question

$\mathrm{\beta }$ how to identify epimers and anomers in Carbohydrates (sugars)?

Answer 1

Epimers

1. The isomerism that is caused by the non-similar arrangements of atoms of functional groups belonging to an atom in space is called stereoisomers.
2. An epimer is one of a pair of stereoisomers that differ in configuration at only one chiral center.
3. For example: the C-2 and C-4 epimer of D-glucose is D-Mannose and D- Galactose as they differ in configuration at C-2 and C-4.

Anomers

1. An anomer is actually an epimer (also a cyclic saccharide) that differs in configuration, particularly at the acetal or hemiacetal carbon.
2. The anomers are Saccharides or glycosides that are epimers, which are distinct from each other in configuration at C-2.
3. For example, the anomers of D-Glucose is $\mathrm{\alpha }$-D glucopyranose and $\mathrm{\beta }$-D Glucopyranose which differ in configuration at C-2.

Therefore, From the changing in the configuration of molecules, we can identify anomers and epimers.