Question

Explain why glucose and galactose do not interconvert as the ring forms open and close again. Select the correct answer below: The difference between glucose and galactose occurs at the anomeric carbon. The difference between structures of glucose and galactose occurs at a carbon other than the anomeric carbon. During the opening and closing of the ring, the carbon positions may not change, so the anomeric carbon is always in the same place.

Answer 1

Answer: The difference between structures of glucose and galactose occurs at a carbon other than the anomeric carbon.

Explanation: The cyclic structure of glucose and galactose is cannot be inter converted because the change does not occurs at the anomeric carbon.

It takes place at carbon number 3 ( Fisher's projection)which does not takes place in the opening and closing of the rings.

Anomeric carbon are the carbon that takes place in the opening and closing of the rings.