What is the Difference Between Anomers and Epimers?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Anomers and epimers are types of stereoisomers found in carbohydrates, which differ in their configuration at specific carbon atoms. Here are the main differences between them:
- Epimers: These are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of atoms attached to a chiral carbon. In the case of carbohydrates, epimers differ in the configuration at only one chiral center.
- Anomers: These are a specific type of epimer found in cyclic carbohydrates, such as sugars. Anomers differ in the configuration at the hemiacetal or acetal carbon (the anomeric carbon).
For example, D-glucose and D-mannose are epimers that differ at the C-2 carbon, while D-glucose and D-galactose are epimers that differ at the C-4 carbon. On the other hand, α-D-glucose and β-D-glucose are anomers, as they differ in the configuration at the anomeric carbon (C-1) in cyclic glucose.
In summary:
- Epimers are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of atoms attached to a chiral carbon, including carbohydrates.
- Anomers are a specific type of epimer found in cyclic carbohydrates, differing in the configuration at the anomeric carbon.
Comparative Table: Anomers vs Epimers
Anomers and epimers are both types of stereoisomers found in carbohydrates, specifically in cyclic forms of sugars. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:
Feature | Anomers | Epimers |
---|---|---|
Definition | Anomers are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of the hydroxyl group at the anomeric carbon in a cyclic form of a sugar. | Epimers are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of atoms attached to a chiral carbon. |
Example | α-D-glucose and β-D-glucose are anomers. | Galactose and glucose are epimers. |
Configuration | Anomers differ in the configuration at the anomeric carbon. | Epimers differ in the configuration at one chiral carbon. |
Relationship | Anomers are a special type of epimer. | Epimers are a general type of stereoisomer that includes anomers. |
In summary, anomers are a specific type of epimer that differ in the configuration of the hydroxyl group at the anomeric carbon in a cyclic form of a sugar, while epimers are stereoisomers that differ in the configuration of atoms attached to a chiral carbon. Anomers are a special case of epimers.
- Epimerization vs Racemization
- Diastereomers vs Enantiomers
- Alpha vs Beta Anomers
- Enols Enolates vs Enamines
- Anomeric Carbon vs Chiral Carbon
- Isoschizomers vs Isocaudomers
- Position Isomerism vs Metamerism
- Cis vs Trans Isomers
- Polymer vs Monomer
- Tautomerism vs Metamerism
- Dimerization vs Polymerization
- E vs Z Isomers
- Protomers vs Capsomeres
- Isoschizomers vs Neoschizomers
- Copolymer vs Terpolymer
- Isotopes vs Isomers
- Prochirality vs Prostereoisomerism
- Oligomer vs Polymer
- Anisole vs Diethyl Ether