What's the difference between ester and glycosidic bonds in organic chemistry, and how can I remember the differences between them?

Answer 1

The figure below shows both types of structures.

A glycosidic bond connects an oxygen substituent to the anomeric carbon (C₁ position) of a sugar. It is an example of an acetal functional group. There are two singly bonded oxygens attached to the same carbon.

In an ester, an oxygen substituent is attached to a carbonyl carbon. There is one singly bonded and one doubly bonded oxygen attached to the same carbon.

Answer 2

Ester bonds are formed between an organic acid (RCOOH) and an alcohol (RCOH) taking place between the carboxyl group COOH and hydroxyl -OH groups yielding an RCOOR’ functional group and water as a byproduct .

Glycosidic bonds, on the other hand, involve the bonding of two sugars or a sugar and another molecule through the removal of a water molecule. Glycosidic bonds could be come in two main forms the N and O where an anomeric carbon of a sugar is bound to and Oxygen or Nitrogen of the of the aglycone.

To remember the difference:

• Ester bonds often have a “C” in them, indicating the involvement of a carboxyl group (COOH).

• Glycosidic bonds are related to sugars, so think “glyco” for sugars.