Amino acids

alpha amino acid

Alpha amino acid

  • has both acidic COOH and basic NH2

  • similar reactions to carboxylic acids and amines


Reactions of amine group

  • basic

  • reacts with acid to form salts


  • reactions of amine group in an amino acid


Reactions of carboxylate group

  • reacts with alkalis to form salts

  • reacts with aqueous alkalis

    • forms salt and water


    • amino acid with aqueous base
  • reacts with alcohols to form esters

    • heating with an alcohol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid

    • COOH group is esterified


    • amino acid with esters