What is an amino acid?
An amino acid is an organic compound containing both amine (-NH2) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups.
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What is the general structure of an α-amino acid?
The general structure of an α-amino acid is RCH(NH2)COOH.
The displayed formula of an α-amino acid is:
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What differentiates amino acids from each other?
Amino acids differ by the side chain (R) attached to the α-carbon atom.
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Describe the reaction that occurs when an amino acid reacts with an aqueous alkali.
The carboxylic acid group of the amino acid reacts with an aqueous alkali to form a salt and water.
For example, glycine reacts with sodium hydroxide to form a sodium salt and water:
CH2(NH2)COOH + NaOH ➔ CH2(NH2)COONa + H2O.
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Describe the reaction that occurs when an amino acid reacts with an alcohol.
The carboxyl group of the amino acid undergoes esterification when heated with an alcohol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid to produce an ester and water.
For example, glycine reacts with ethanol to form an ester and water:
CH2(NH2)COOH + C2H5OH + H+ ➔ CH2(NH3)COOC2H5+ + H2O
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Describe the reaction that occurs when an amino acid reacts with an acid.
The amine group of the amino acid reacts with an acid to form a salt.
For example, glycine reacts with hydrochloric acid to form an ammonium salt:
CH2(NH2)COOH + HCl ➔ CH2(NH3)COOHCl
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