ACS Organic Chemistry Exam with Questions and 100% Correct Answers/ Graded A+

What is the general formula for a carbohydrate? - Answer Cx(H2O)y How do you determine the number of stereoisomers for a given carbohydrate? - Answer 2^n where n= number of stereocenters Distinguish between the D and L designations for carbohydrates. - Answer In the L form the hydroxy group is on the bottom left closest to the CH2OH group in the frame of a Fischer projection In the D form the OH is on the bottom right What are anomers? - Answer Diastereomers formed by the cyclization of carbohydrates (*note they have different configurations at the new stereocenter-this is what makes them diastereomers) Distinguish between alpha and beta anomers. - Answer beta anomers have the OH belonging to the hemiacetal carbon equatorial alpha anomers have the OH belonging to the hemiacetal carbon axial