Lactic Acid (shown below) is built up in the body during intense workouts as a result of glycolysis. Please denote if the compound is R or S. Also, explain at least two intermolecular forces it would exhibit. Would you expect this compound to be soluble in water?

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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Lactic Acid (shown below) is built up in the body during intense workouts as a result of glycolysis. Please denote if the compound is R or S. Also, explain at least two intermolecular forces it would exhibit. Would you expect this compound to be soluble in water? 

**Lactic Acid: Structural Diagram**

**Description:**

The diagram illustrates the chemical structure of lactic acid. It is an organic compound with the formula C₃H₆O₃. 

**Structural Details:**

- **Carbon Backbone:** The structure features a three-carbon chain. Two carbon atoms are bonded by single covalent bonds, while the central carbon is saturated, carrying an additional hydroxyl group (OH) and forming a double bond with an oxygen atom. 
- **Functional Groups:**
  - **Hydroxyl Group (OH):** Attached to the central carbon, contributing to the molecule's polarity.
  - **Carbonyl Group (C=O):** The central carbon forms a double bond with an oxygen atom.
  - **Carboxyl Group (COOH):** The rightmost carbon bonds with two oxygen atoms, one in a double bond, characteristic of carboxylic acids.

**Applications:**

Lactic acid is commonly found in sour milk products, used in fermentation, and involved in various biological processes within the human body, such as muscle metabolism. It has significant industrial applications, ranging from food additives to biodegradable plastics.
Transcribed Image Text:**Lactic Acid: Structural Diagram** **Description:** The diagram illustrates the chemical structure of lactic acid. It is an organic compound with the formula C₃H₆O₃. **Structural Details:** - **Carbon Backbone:** The structure features a three-carbon chain. Two carbon atoms are bonded by single covalent bonds, while the central carbon is saturated, carrying an additional hydroxyl group (OH) and forming a double bond with an oxygen atom. - **Functional Groups:** - **Hydroxyl Group (OH):** Attached to the central carbon, contributing to the molecule's polarity. - **Carbonyl Group (C=O):** The central carbon forms a double bond with an oxygen atom. - **Carboxyl Group (COOH):** The rightmost carbon bonds with two oxygen atoms, one in a double bond, characteristic of carboxylic acids. **Applications:** Lactic acid is commonly found in sour milk products, used in fermentation, and involved in various biological processes within the human body, such as muscle metabolism. It has significant industrial applications, ranging from food additives to biodegradable plastics.
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