epimer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “epimer” mean?
A type of stereoisomer where the configuration differs at only one of multiple chiral centres in a molecule.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of stereoisomer where the configuration differs at only one of multiple chiral centres in a molecule.
Specifically in chemistry and biochemistry, one of two molecules that are diastereomers differing in configuration at a single stereogenic centre, especially in sugar chemistry (e.g., glucose and mannose are C-2 epimers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in academic and technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “epimer” in a Sentence
X is an epimer of YX and Y are epimersthe C-2 epimerto epimerise (verb derivative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epimer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The enzyme can epimerise the sugar at the C-4 position.
- The compound slowly epimerises in solution.
American English
- The enzyme will epimerize the substrate efficiently.
- The process epimerizes the chiral centre.
adverb
British English
- The molecule reacted epimerically at the single centre.
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The epimeric form was isolated and characterised.
- They studied the epimeric relationship between the two sugars.
American English
- The epimeric configuration is less stable.
- Epimeric purity is crucial for the drug's activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in advanced chemistry and biochemistry textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in stereochemistry, pharmaceutical science, and carbohydrate chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epimer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epimer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epimer”
- Using 'epimer' to refer to any stereoisomer (it's specific to one differing centre).
- Confusing 'epimer' with 'anomer' (which is a specific type of epimer at the anomeric carbon in sugars).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in chemistry and biochemistry.
Yes, the related verb is 'to epimerise' (UK) / 'to epimerize' (US), meaning to convert into an epimer.
Enantiomers are mirror images differing at ALL chiral centres. Epimers are diastereomers differing at only ONE of several chiral centres.
You would encounter it in advanced organic chemistry, biochemistry (especially carbohydrate metabolism), pharmaceutical science, and related research literature.
A type of stereoisomer where the configuration differs at only one of multiple chiral centres in a molecule.
Epimer is usually technical in register.
Epimer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛpɪmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛpɪmɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EPIMER = EPI (Greek for 'upon' or 'beside') + MER (part); think of it as the isomer 'beside' it, differing at just one point.
Conceptual Metaphor
Think of identical twin houses where only the door handle (one chiral centre) is mirrored; the rest of the house is the same.
Practice
Quiz
What best defines an epimer?