Chapter 22, Problem 32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structure of the conjugate acid of carnosine is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

An acidic substance in a reaction donates a proton, whereas base in a reaction accepts a proton. The elimination of a proton leads to the formation of a conjugate base. When the base accepts a proton, the species formed is known as conjugate acid.

The $K_{\text{a}}$ value is large for strong acids and small for weak acids. The stronger acid has a lower value of $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ and the weaker acid has a higher $\text{p}{K}_{\text{a}}$ value.