Chapter 20, Problem 20.69AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The authenticity of the given statement that hypoglycin is an $\text{α}$ amino acid is to be stated.

Concept introduction: Amino acid is the compound which comprises amino $\left(-{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}\right)$ group and carboxyl $\left(-\text{COOH}\right)$ functional group.

In an $\text{α}$ amino acid the carboxylic acid $\left(-\text{COOH}\right)$ group and amino $\left(-{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}\right)$ groups always present on the same carbon atom. That carbon atom should be $\text{α}$-carbon. The general structure of an $\text{α}$ amino acid is represented as,

Figure 1

The Figure 1 represents the basic structure of an $\text{α}$ amino acid.

To determine: If the hypoglycin is an $\text{α}$ amino acid.