Question

which of the following statement/s is/are true? * a. glucose and galactose are c - 4 epimers because their structures differ only in the position of the hydroxyl group at carbon 2 b. glucose and mannose are c - 4 epimers. c. galactose and mannose are isomers d. a and b are true e. none of the above

Explanation:

Epimers are diastereomers that differ in configuration at only one chiral carbon. In the case of α - D - glucose and α - D - galactose, the difference lies in the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the C - 4 carbon. Glucose and mannose are C - 2 epimers. Galactose and mannose are isomers but not specifically epimers related in the way described in the options.

Answer:

A. Glucose and galactose are C - 4 epimers because their structures differ only in the position of the hydroxyl group at carbon 4.