• The a- and b- forms, called anomers, of a saccharide exist
in equilibrium with the open form. When a pure anomer is placed
in
aqueous
solution
the specific
rotation
changes to
an equilibrium value, here +52.7o.
• The
majority of the species in solution are
invariably the hemiacetal forms rather than
the open form. a- 26%, b-64%, open 0.003%
• Mutarotation : the change in ar that comes
about from the interconversion of a- and b-
anomers in aqueous solution. It is common
to all sugars which exist in hemiacetal forms.