The discussion centers on the chair conformation of carbohydrates, specifically \beta-D-glucose. It is established that in a Fischer projection, the \alpha position is represented to the right and down, while in chair conformation, the hydroxyl (OH) groups in \beta-D-glucose can be arranged in both axial and equatorial positions. However, the optimal arrangement for minimizing steric strain is the equatorial configuration, as it allows for a lower energy state. The axial arrangement, while theoretically possible, is less favorable due to increased steric hindrance.
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leopard said:For carbohydrates, the \alpha position is to the right in a Fischer projection and down in a planar representation. Is it axial or equatorial in a chair conformation?
My book also says that all the OH groups in \beta-D-glucose are in axial positions. Is this true?