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Amino acids (a-amino acids)

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Total cards: 8•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

Card preview (8)

#1
Front (Question)

What are alpha amino acids?

Back (Answer)

Contain an amine (NH2) group and a carboxylic acid (COOH) group bonded to the SAME C atom

#2
Front (Question)

What is the general formula of alpha amino acids?

Back (Answer)

General formula: RCH(NH2)COOH

#3
Front (Question)

What is the simplest amino acid?

Back (Answer)

Glycine, R group is H

#4
Front (Question)

What amino acids can show optical isomerism and why?

Back (Answer)

All a-amino acids except glycine as they have a chiral C

#5
Front (Question)

What is a chiral carbon?

Back (Answer)

A carbon bonded to 4 different groups of atoms

#6
Front (Question)

How do amino acids react with acids?

Back (Answer)

The NH2 group (amino group/s) reacts to form an ammonium ion (NH3+) The lone pair of e- on N form dative covalent bond with proton from acid E.G. (CH3)2CH(NH2)COOH + H+ —> (CH3)2CH(NH3+)COOH H2N(CH2)4CH(NH2)COOOH + H+ —> H3N+(CH2)4CH(NH3+)COOH

#7
Front (Question)

How do amino acids react with bases?

Back (Answer)

-COOH group/s react to form carboxylate ion HOOCCH2CH(NH2)COOH + 2H+ —> -OOCCH2CH(NH2)COO- + 2H20

#8
Front (Question)

How do amino acids react with alcohols?

Back (Answer)

In the presence of con. sulfuric acid and heat to make ester + water E.g alanine + ethanol + H+ The H+ from the acid joins to NH2, making an ammonium ion (NH3+)