The mnemonic SOS (Same, Opposite, Same) can be helpful to recall the stereochemistry in either D-glucose or L-glucose. It refers to the configurations of C-2, C-3, and C-4 relative to that of C-5 in an aldohexose. Same and Opposite refer to either the R or S configuration or to the relative positions of the OH groups on the Fischer projection structural formula. The SOS mnemonic can help to reinforce that gluco specifies the relative configurations of stereocenters in the molecule.
More Information
Citation
Starkey, Ronald. J. Chem. Educ.2000 77 734.
Keywords
Carbohydrates; Stereochemistry; Organic Chemistry; Teaching / Learning Aids
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