Chapter 18, Problem 18.23QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The basic general structure of $\text{L-α-amino acid}$ has to be explained and also structure has to be drawn.

Concept Introduction:

The general structure of $\text{α-amino acid}$ contains an alpha carbon. The alpha carbon is made up of four different atoms or group present at its four bonds. This carbon is also called chiral carbon. In $\text{α-amino acid}$ four different groups are a carboxylate group $\left(-{\text{COO}}^{-}\right)$, a protonated amino group $\left(-{\text{NH}}_3^{+}\right)$, hydrogen $\left(-\text{H}\right)$, and an alkyl chain or R group $\left(-\text{R}\right)$.

Except for glycine all the $\text{α-amino acid}$ contains four different groups at $\text{α-carbon}$. Due to this most of the amino acids are chiral molecules and, therefore, these can exist in two enantiomers.