Question

The change in the optical rotation of freshly prepared solution of glucose is known as 

(a) tautomerism

(b) racemization

(c) specific rotation

(d) mutarotation

Answer 1

Correct Option (d) mutarotation

Explanation:

A spontaneous change in the specific rotation of a solution of an optically active compound is called mutarotation.

Hemiacetal forms of α- and β-D- glucose are stable in solid state but in aqueous solution, there is opening of the cyciic structure which gives solution of constant specific rotation.