Aqueous solutions

  In aqueous solutions, there are three forms of glucose: the cyclic alpha-form (36%), the cyclic beta-form (64%), and a trace amount of the open-chain form. At equilibrium, the cyclic alpha- and beta-forms are constantly interchanging when in solution. (1) Explain why the cyclic forms exist predominately in solutions, AND (2) explain why the cyclic beta-form is more abundant than the cyclic alpha-form.