Question
How do you explain the amphoteric behaviour of amino acids?
Solution 1
In aqueous solution, the carboxyl group of an amino acid can lose a proton and the amino group can accept a proton to give a dipolar ion known as zwitter ion.
Therefore, in zwitter ionic form, the amino acid can act both as an acid and as a base.
Thus, amino acids show amphoteric behaviour.
Solution 2
Amino acids contain an acidic (carboxyl group) and basic (amino group) group in the same molecule. In aqueous solution, they neutralize each other. The carboxyl group loses a proton while the amino group accepts it. As a result, a dipolar or zwitter ion is formed.
In zwitter ionjc form, a-amino acid show amphoteric behaviour as they react with both acids and bases.
Is there an error in this question or solution?
Solution How Do You Explain the Amphoteric Behaviour of Amino Acids? Concept: Proteins - Classification of Amino Acids.
