Structure of alpha-D-fructofuranose

Examine the stereochemical relations between O-atoms that are separated by three sigma bonds; e.g. O-C-C-O. How many such interactions occur in alpha-D-fructofuranose? Are the relative orientations trans or gauche? What are the reasons for the gauche relations?


Figure. The RHF/6-31G* optimized structure of alpha-D-fructofuranose.