6.1.5 - Amino acids, amides and chirality Flashcards
1
Q
Why do amino acids react similarly to carboxylic acids + amines?
A
they have COOH and NH2 groups
2
Q
What do molecules with a chiral centre have?
A
optical isomerism
3
Q
Define optical isomers/enantiomers
A
non super-imposable mirror images
4
Q
Shape of optical isomers of amino acids
A
tetrahedral
5
Q
Amino acid + acid/alkali
A
forms salt + water
NB: acid makes ammonium salt, alkali makes metal salt
6
Q
Esterification of amino acids
A
amino acid + alcohol -> ester + H2O
conditions: heat, conc H2SO4 catalyst
7
Q
General formula for alpha amino acids
A
RCH(NH2)COOH
8
Q
How do structures of primary and secondary amides differ?
A
primary: CONH2 group
secondary: CONHR (one H replaced by R group)
