β-D-N-Acetylglucosamine (shown below) is a glycose found in many glycoproteins which are an integral part of cell membranes. One chair conformation of this glycose is shown below. How many of the hydroxyl groups on the six-membered ring occupy equatorial positions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the chair conformation shown, four of the hydroxyl groups (at positions 2, 3, 4, and 6) are in equatorial positions, while two (at positions 1 and 5) are in axial positions. Therefore, the answer is 4.

β-D-N-Acetylglucosamine (Shown Below) Is a Glycose Found in Many Glycoproteins