Anomers are different in structure, and thus have different stabilizing and destabilizing effects from each other. The major contributors to the stability of a certain anomer are:
*The anomeric effect, which stabilizes the anomer that has an electron withdrawing group (typically an oxygen or nitrogen atom) in axial orientation on the ring. This effect is abolished in polar solvents such as water.
*1,3-diaxial interactions, which usually destabilize the anomer that has the anomeric group in an axial orientation on the ring. This effect is especially noticeable in pyranoses and other six-membered ring compounds. This is a major factor in water.
*Hydrogen bonds between the anomeric group and other groups on the ring, leading to stabilization of the anomer.
*Dipolar repulsion between the anomeric group and other groups on the ring, leading to destabilization of the anomer.
For -glucopyranoside, the β-anomer is the more stable anomer in water. For -mannopyranose, the α-anomer is the more stable anomer.
Because anomers are diastereomers of each other, they often differ in physical and chemical properties. One of the most important physical properties that is used to study anomers is the specific rotation, which can be monitored by polarimetry.