Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

20. Carbohydrates

Classification of Carbohydrates

GOB Chemistry

20. Carbohydrates

Classification of Carbohydrates

Previous problemNext problem

3:58 minutes

Problem 64a

Textbook Question

How are the following pairs of carbohydrates, shown in a Fischer projection, related to each other? Are they structural isomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, or epimers?
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the definitions of the terms provided in the question. Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images. Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images. Epimers are diastereomers that differ at only one stereogenic center.

Step 2: Analyze the Fischer projections of the carbohydrates provided in the image. Identify the stereogenic centers (chiral carbons) in each molecule and note their configurations (R or S).

Step 3: Compare the configurations of the stereogenic centers between the two carbohydrates. Determine if all configurations are opposite (indicating enantiomers), if only one stereogenic center differs (indicating epimers), or if multiple centers differ but they are not mirror images (indicating diastereomers).

Step 4: Check if the molecular formulas of the two carbohydrates are identical. If they are not, the molecules are structural isomers. If they are identical, proceed with the stereochemical analysis from Step 3.

Step 5: Based on the comparison, classify the relationship between the two carbohydrates as structural isomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, or epimers. Ensure the reasoning aligns with the definitions provided in Step 1.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. This can include variations in the connectivity of the carbon skeleton or the functional groups attached to it. Understanding structural isomers is crucial for analyzing how different configurations can lead to distinct chemical properties and biological functions.

Stereoisomers

Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms. This category includes enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, and diastereomers, which are not mirror images. Recognizing stereoisomers is essential for understanding the three-dimensional aspects of molecular interactions, particularly in biological systems.

Epimers

Epimers are a specific type of diastereomer that differ in configuration at only one specific carbon atom. This distinction is particularly relevant in carbohydrate chemistry, where small changes in stereochemistry can significantly affect the properties and reactivity of sugars. Identifying epimers helps in understanding the relationships between different sugars and their roles in biological processes.

Watch next

Master Classification of Carbohydrates Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Classify the following carbohydrates as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide:

(a) raffinose, a soluble fiber containing three carbohydrate units

623

views

Textbook Question

Identify the following as characteristics of soluble or insoluble fiber:

(a) can mix with water

783

views

Textbook Question

Identify the following as containing soluble or insoluble fiber:

(a) oatmeal

505

views

Textbook Question

Classify each of the following monosaccharides by the type of carbonyl group and the number of carbons (for example, a monosaccharide with an aldehyde and three carbons is an aldotriose).

(a)

491

views

Textbook Question

Name four important monosaccharides and tell where each occurs in nature.

1220

views

Textbook Question

During the digestion of starch from potatoes, the enzyme α-amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose. Subsequently, the enzyme maltase catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose units. Write an equation (in words) for the enzymatic conversion of starch to glucose. Classify each of the carbohydrates in the equation as a disaccharide, monosaccharide, or polysaccharide.

1047

views

Textbook Question

Describe the differences between mono-, di-, and polysaccharides.

1450

views

Textbook Question

Name a naturally occurring carbohydrate and its source for each type of carbohydrate listed in Problem 20.83.

565

views

Show more practices