$\alpha\text{-D-glucose} \rightleftharpoons \text{open-chain D-glucose} \rightleftharpoons \beta\text{-D-glucose}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of epimerization?

Accepted Answer

The process of interconverting epimers by changing the configuration at only one specific chiral carbon.

Question 2

Which enzyme is typically required for the process of epimerization?

Accepted Answer

Epimerase

Question 3

Epimers are:

Accepted Answer

Stereoisomers that differ at only one chiral center

Question 4

Mutarotation is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The interconversion between alpha and beta anomers in aqueous solution

Question 5

Which of the following statements about mutarotation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Mutarotation involves the opening and closing of the sugar ring, allowing interconversion between anomers.

Question 6

During mutarotation, which intermediate is formed when a cyclic sugar opens?

Accepted Answer

A linear aldehyde or ketone form

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why mutarotation can occur in neutral aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

The equilibrium between alpha and beta anomers is spontaneous and does not require a catalyst.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epimers?

Accepted Answer

They are mirror images of each other.

Question 9

A student observes that D-glucose and D-mannose differ in configuration at carbon 2. What is the relationship between these two sugars?

Accepted Answer

They are epimers.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the chemical process occurring during mutarotation?

Accepted Answer

A sugar ring opens to form a linear structure, then recloses to form either the alpha or beta anomer.

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the equilibrium between alpha and beta anomers during mutarotation?

Accepted Answer

$\alpha	ext{-D-glucose} ightleftharpoons 	ext{open-chain D-glucose} ightleftharpoons \beta	ext{-D-glucose}$

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-life application of mutarotation?

Accepted Answer

The sweetness of honey changes over time due to mutarotation of glucose.

Question 13

Which of the following sugars can undergo mutarotation in neutral aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 14

If a solution of pure alpha-D-glucose is allowed to stand in water, what will happen to its optical rotation over time?

Accepted Answer

It will gradually change until it reaches an equilibrium value.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why mutarotation is important in carbohydrate chemistry?

Accepted Answer

It establishes an equilibrium mixture of anomers, affecting the chemical and physical properties of sugars.

Epimerization and Mutarotation in Carbohydrate Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions