Which of the following statements best explains how mutarotation occurs in solution?
A) Any C-C can break, opening the ring.
B) The hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon "floats" between the α and the β position.
C) The hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon comes off and then reattaches.
D) The bond between the ring oxygen and the anomeric carbon breaks, opening the ring, and then reforms, closing the ring again.
E) All of the above can occur in solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mutarotation occurs when the bond between the ring oxygen and the anomeric carbon breaks, allowing the ring to open and then close again, which can result in the conversion between α and β anomers.

Which of the Following Statements Best Explains How Mutarotation Occurs