Final answer:
Specific structure of sophorose presented, we cannot determine if it is the α or β form. One must examine the positions of the hydroxyl group and CH2OH group on the anomeric carbon in the given structure to distinguish between α and β forms of sophorose.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether sophorose is in the α or β form, we must look at the configuration of the glycosidic bond between the two glucose units in the disaccharide. In α-form, the glycosidic bond is such that the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the anomeric carbon (first carbon of the glucose ring) is on the opposite side (trans) to the CH2OH group of the same sugar ring. In contrast, in the β-form, the -OH group on the anomeric carbon is on the same side (cis) as the CH2OH group.
Since you have not provided the specific structure of sophorose being questioned, we cannot accurately say whether it is the α or β form. Therefore, it's important to examine the chemical structure presented and look for the relative positions of the hydroxyl group and the CH2OH group at the anomeric carbon to make this determination. Note that sophorose can indeed exist in α and β forms since it is a type of sugar, and sugars can exhibit this kind of isomerism called anomeric isomerism.