Examples of Epimers
Some common examples of epimeric pairs are discussed below.
D-Glucose and D-Mannose
The most common epimers are D-glucose and D-mannose. These sugars are aldohexoses and have the same molecular formula C6H12O6. But if we look at their structure, we will find that the position of hydroxyl group at C2 carbon is different in these two sugars. These two sugars are called C2 epimers of each other.
D-Glucose and D-Galactose
An other common example of epimeric pair are D-glucose and D-galactose. These two sugars have the same molecular formula but the arrangement of the hydroxyl ion in these molecule differ at fourth carbon atom. Hence they are called C4 epimers of each other.
Ribose and Arabinose
Ribose, a component of RNA and arabinose, a component of plant polysaccharides like hemicellulose are also epimers. Both of these sugars are pentoses and have the molecular formula C5H10O. But they differ in their configuration at C2 carbon. Hence, they are called C2 epimers of each other.
Epimers
Epimers are a particular kind of stereoisomer, which is an isomer with the same chemical formula but a different spatial arrangement of atoms. To be more precise, epimers are diastereomers subclass that vary in how their single stereocenter (chiral center) is arranged inside the molecule. In this article, we will learn about epimers, examples, epimerization, etc.
Table of Content
- Epimers Definition
- What are Epimers?
- Examples of Epimers
- What is Epimerization?
- What are Diastereomers?
- What are Enantiomers?
- What are cis-trans Isomers?
- What are Anomers?
- Difference between Epimers and Diastereomers
- Difference between Anomers and Epimers
- Difference between Epimers and Enantiomers