What is the Difference Between Fischer Projection and Haworth Projection?

The main difference between Fischer projection and Haworth projection lies in the type of molecular structures they represent.

• Fischer Projection: This is a 2D representation of an organic molecule by projection, used primarily for sugars in their open-chain form. It is useful for analyzing diastereomeric sugar structures, as the eye can quickly identify stereochemical differences.
• Haworth Projection: This is a way of drawing the structure of an organic molecule representing the cyclic form of the molecule. It is often used to depict sugars in their cyclic forms. Although a Haworth projection is a convenient way to show stereochemistry, it does not provide a realistic depiction of conformation. To show both conformation and stereochemistry, the ring must be drawn in the chair form.

In summary, Fischer projections are used for sugars in their open-chain form, while Haworth projections are used to depict sugars in their cyclic forms.

Comparative Table: Fischer Projection vs Haworth Projection

Fischer projections and Haworth projections are both used to represent carbohydrates, but they differ in the way they depict the molecules' structures. Here is a comparison between the two:

Fischer projections are used for sugars in their open-chain form, while Haworth projections are often used to depict sugars in their cyclic forms. Although a Haworth projection is a convenient way to show stereochemistry, it does not provide a realistic depiction of conformation. To show both conformation and stereochemistry, the ring must be drawn in the chair form.