Chapter 17.3, Problem 3P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for insolubility of amino acids in diethyl ether unlike most of the amines and carboxylic acids has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Polar compound soluble in polar solvents and non-polar compounds dissolves in non-polar solvents (like dissolves like).

Amino acids exist as zwitterion at certain $pH$, in which the amount of positive charge and negative charge on an amino acid becomes balanced.

Zwitter ion: 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.

Example: Zwitter ion