Chapter 26, Problem 30P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The synthesis of $\text{β-alanine}$ $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{NCH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CO}}_2^{-}\right)$ from Acrylonitrile is to be proposed.

Concept introduction:

Amino acids are the organic compounds containing a carboxylic acid group and one amino acid group with an alkyl group as a side chain.

Amino acids consist of both positive as well negative groups in their structure and are called as ampholytes.

The zwitter ion refers to a molecule that consists of both positive as well negative groups. The overall charge is neutral on a zwitterion. The best examples of zwitter ion are amino acids.