Epimers and Anomers

Epimers:

• Definition: Stereoisomers that differ in configuration only at one specific carbon atom (except the anomeric carbon).

• Example: Glucose and Mannose are epimers at C‑2; Glucose and Galactose are epimers at C‑4.

Anomers:

• Definition: Special type of epimers that differ in configuration only at the anomeric carbon (C‑1 in aldoses, C‑2 in ketoses) formed after ring closure.

• Example: α‑D‑glucose and β‑D‑glucose are anomers.

Short Answer:

Epimers: Monosaccharides differing in configuration at only one carbon atom (e.g., glucose & galactose at C‑4).

Anomers: Epimers differing at the anomeric carbon after ring closure (e.g., α‑D‑glucose & β‑D‑glucose).