An$\alpha$ glycoside has the glycosidic linkage oriented down, below the plane of the ring that contains the acetal joining the monosaccharides.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orientation of the glycosidic linkage is indicated by the prefix α or β. In this case, the prefix α indicates that the glycosidic linkage is oriented down, below the plane of the ring that contains the acetal joining the monosaccharides.

An α\alphaα Glycoside Has the Glycosidic Linkage Oriented Down, Below the Plane

An $\alpha$ Glycoside Has the Glycosidic Linkage Oriented Down, Below the Plane