Question

Why amino acids are "polyprotic species". Paragraph form not explaining with structures.

Why amino acids are "polyprotic species". Paragraph form not explaining with structures.

Homework Answers

Answer #1

a)

First, let us define polyprotic species, which means "many protons". They can either accept and donate Hydrogens in their composition.

Note that an amino acid is nothing more than a:

- Amino gropu NH2--> Can accept H+ ions to form NH3+

- Acid group COOH --> can donat eH+ ions to form COO-

therefore

they must be polyprotic, meaning they can either donate/accepts multiple Hydrogens

i.e.

at low pH, there is plenty of H+ ions in solution, so

COO- charges as COOH

and NH2 charges as NH3+

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