Chapter 16.8, Problem EQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The correct sequence of three consecutive steps which constitutes the hydrolysis of an imine/iminium has to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Amino acids are the molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic group, and a side-chain that is specific to each amino acid. They are the basic structural building units of protein and other biomolecules.

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen are the key elements in amino acid.

General structure of an amino acid can be drawn as follows,

The transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a ketoacid with the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid is known as transamination reaction.

This reaction is catalysed by a group of enzymes called transaminases or aminotransferases. PLP- Pyridoxalphosphate acts as co-factor in this reaction.

Imines can be obtained by the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine and this reaction can be represented as shown below,

Simple imines hydrolyze back to the aldehyde or ketone and the amine from which they are originally formed.

Iminium ions on hydrolysis give corresponding amine and ketoacid.