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Multiple Choice
Which form of glucose is predominantly found in its cyclic structure?
A
Alpha-D-glucopyranose
B
Beta-D-glucopyranose
C
Alpha-D-glucofuranose
D
Beta-D-glucofuranose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that glucose can exist in both linear and cyclic forms. In aqueous solutions, glucose predominantly forms a cyclic structure due to the reaction between the aldehyde group and a hydroxyl group.
Recognize that the cyclic forms of glucose are called pyranoses and furanoses, depending on the size of the ring. Pyranoses have a six-membered ring, while furanoses have a five-membered ring.
Identify that D-glucose can form two anomers, alpha and beta, based on the position of the hydroxyl group at the anomeric carbon (C1). In the alpha form, the hydroxyl group is on the opposite side of the ring compared to the CH2OH group at C5, while in the beta form, it is on the same side.
Recall that in solution, the beta anomer of D-glucopyranose is more stable and thus more prevalent due to less steric hindrance and more favorable hydrogen bonding.
Conclude that the predominant form of glucose in its cyclic structure is Beta-D-glucopyranose, as it is the most stable and abundant form in aqueous solutions.