Chapter 17, Problem 35P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The $\text{pH}$ values of Alanine have to be determined with respect to the given ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$ values.

Concept Introduction:

Acid-base properties of Amino acids:

Every amino acid has a carbonyl group and an amino group, and each group can exist in an acidic form or a basic form, depending on $\text{pH}$ of the solution in which the amino acid is dissolved.

The compound exists primarily in the acidic form in solutions that are more acidic than their ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$ values, and primarily in the basic form (without their protons) in solutions that are more basic than their ${\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}$ values.

Zwitter ion has both positive as well as negative charge, thus it is also called neutral dipolar ion.

Zwitter ion accepts proton in acidic condition and in basic condition zwitter ion lose electrons.

Isoelectric point are the $pH$ which the zwitter ion has zero charge.