Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

epimer

Noun

/ˈɛpɪmər/

Definition

An epimer is a type of stereoisomer that differs in configuration at only one specific stereogenic center among multiple chiral centers.

Examples

Glucose and galactose are epimers because they differ only in the configuration around the fourth carbon.
The study of epimers is crucial in understanding the enzymatic pathways of sugars.

Meaning

Epimers are important in chemistry and biochemistry, particularly in carbohydrates, where they can affect the properties and reactivity of the molecules.