Why is alpha-tocopherol different from other forms of vit e?

Common Form: The eight forms of vitamin E are divided into two groups; four are tocopherols and four are tocotrienols. They are identified by prefixes alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common form of vitamin E found in nature and the most studied with regard to its benefits for humans. Little is known about the tocotrienols at this time, but new research is ongoing.