What is essentially the difference between α-form of glucose and β-form of glucose? Explain.

The α-form of glucose and β-form of glucose can be distinguished by the position of the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom.

In open chain α-glucose, the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom is towards the right whereas, in the closed ring α-glucose, the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom is below the plane of the ring.

On the other hand, in open chain β-glucose, β-glucose, the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom is towards the left whereas, in the closed ring β-glucose, the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom is above the plane of the ring.

The structures of open and cyclic α-form and β-form of glucose can be drawn as follows.