The α and β forms of glucose are known as

The correct answer is Option (2) → Anomers

Glucose exists mainly as a six-membered cyclic hemiacetal, formed when the –OH group at C5 adds to the –CHO group at C1. This addition makes C1 a new chiral centre, called the anomeric carbon, so two cyclic forms are possible: in α-D-glucose the –OH at C1 is on one side of the ring and in β-D-glucose on the other.

The α-form (m.p. 419 K) and the β-form (m.p. 423 K) can both be crystallised, and in solution each changes slowly into an equilibrium mixture of the two through the open-chain form.

NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Glucose – …