Chapter 21, Problem 129AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The structure of Monosodium glutamate is to be drawn.

Concept introduction: Amino acids are defined as organic compounds which contain amine $\left({\text{-NH}}_{\text{2}}\right)$ and carboxyl $\left(\text{-COOH}\right)$ functional groups, along with a side chain (R group) attached to each amino acid. Monosodium glutamate is a sodium salt of glutamic acid which is a non essential amino acid. The salts of amino acids are formed when amino acids react with each other in a typical acid-base neutralization reaction. The reaction occurs through the transfer of the positive hydrogen ion from the amino acid to the amine forming zwitterions; further, attraction between negative and positive charges takes place to form a salt.