Question

What are the functional groups present in the beta form of glucose?

Answer 1

The functional groups in β-glucose are hydroxyl and hemiacetal.

The structure of β-glucose is

At first glance, it appears as if every C atom except C-5 has a hydroxyl group, with an ether function in the ring.

But that's not completely correct. Only C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-6 have hydroxyl groups.

The alcohol on C-1 and the ether in the ring are part of a hemiacetal group — an alcohol and an ether on the same carbon atom.

We can see this structure in β-glucose.

So the functional groups in β-glucose are hydroxyl and acetal.