The pure #beta# and #alpha# forms of D-glucose rotate the plane of polarized light to the right by 112° and 18.7° respectively (denoted as +112 and +18.7). Are these two forms of glucose enantiomers or diastereomers?
1 Answer
Jan 9, 2017
They are diastereomers.
Explanation:
Enantiomers are mirror image molecules in all respects.
Thus, if the pure β form has a specific rotation of +112°, its enantiomer will have a rotation of -112°.
However, the rotation is +18.7°.
∴ The two forms must be diastereomers.
