Provide an explanation for the fact that α-d-mannose is more stable than β-d-mannose, whereas the opposite is true for glucose.

The explanation behind the stability of α-d-mannose in comparison to β-d-mannose is found in its structure. The α-d-mannose does not have an axial hydroxyl group at C2 while it is found to be present in β-d-mannose. Meanwhile β-d-glucose is more stable than α - d-mannose because of all its OH groups found in the equatorial axis which lessens steric hindrance.