F324 - Polymers and Synthesis Flashcards

0
Q

What is an amino acid?

A

Naturally occurring building blocks of protein molecules. The structure of an amino acid contains both the carboxylic acid group and the amino group attached to the same carbon chain.

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1
Q

What is the general formula for an amino acid?

A

RCH(NH2)COOH

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2
Q

What is a zwitterion?

A

An ‘internal’ salt of an amino acid, in which the -COOH group donates a proton to the -NH2 group (-OOC-CHR-NH3+).

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3
Q

What is meant by the term isoelectric point?

A

The pH of a solution in which an amino acid will be at its maximum concentration of zwitterion.

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4
Q

How does the R group on an alpha-amino acid affect its isoelectric point?

A

R group basic - higher pH isoelectric point

R group acidic - lower pH isoelectric point

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5
Q

How does pH of a solution affect the acid-base properties of an alpha-amino acid?

A

High pH - amino acid tends to be negatively charged as proton is removed from -NH3+ group (acts as an acid)

Low pH - amino acid tends to be positively charged as -COO- group accepts a proton (acts as a base)

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6
Q

How are polypeptides formed?

A

Condensation polymerisation between amino acids to form a peptide link.

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7
Q

What type of product is formed during the hydrolysis of a protein (polypeptide) using acidic conditions?

A

Alpha-amino acid

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8
Q

What type of product is formed during the hydrolysis of a protein (polypeptide) using alkaline conditions?

A

Alpha-amino acid reacts with excess alkali and forms its carboxylate salt.

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9
Q

What is an optical isomer?

A

Molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other about an organic chiral centre.

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10
Q

What affect do optical isomers have on plane polarised light?

A

The two isomers (known as enantiomers) rotate the plane of polarised light in opposite directions.

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11
Q

What is a chiral centre?

A

A (carbon) atom in a molecule attached to four different groups.

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12
Q

Optical isomers and E/Z isomers are examples of which type of isomerisation?

A

Stereoisomerism

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13
Q

With the exception of glycine, what do all alpha-amino acids have at the alpha-carbon atom?

A

A chiral centre

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14
Q

What is meant by condensation polymerisation?

A

A polymerisation reaction in which the monomers are joined together by condensation reactions. Monomers can be different molecules.

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15
Q

What is meant by addition polymerisation?

A

A polymerisation reaction in which a polymer is formed by a repeated addition reaction. Polymer will have the same empirical formula as alkene monomer it is made from.

16
Q

Why are polymers formed from condensation reactions more beneficial than ones formed from addition reactions?

A

Condensation polymers can be designed so that they are degradable by breaking down the C=O bond in the chain through absorption of radiation or through the hydrolysis of the amide or ester link.

17
Q

What are polyesters and polyamides used for?

A

Fibres in clothing

18
Q

Pharmaceuticals often require the production of what?

A

A single optical isomer.

19
Q

What are the three ways to separate enantiomers?

A
  1. Separate the products of the reaction (optical resolution)
  2. Use optically active starting materials
  3. Use enzymes (optically active catalysts)
20
Q

What is an advantage to using a single optical isomer in pharmaceuticals?

A

Reduces possible side effects and improves pharmacological activity.

21
Q

What is a disadvantage of using a single optical isomer in pharmaceuticals?

A

Increases the costs due to the difficulty in separating the enantiomers.

22
Q

What is formed when a halogenoalkane is heated under pressure with ammonia in alcohol?

A

Amine

23
Q

What is formed when a halogenoalkane is heated with dilute aqueous alkali?

A

Alcohol

24
Q

What is formed when an alkane is reacted with a halogen under ultraviolet light?

A

Halogenoalkane

25
Q

What is formed when an alkene is reacted with hydrogen gas under heat and pressure with a nickel catalyst?

A

Alkane

26
Q

What is formed when an alkene is treated with a hydrogen halide?

A

Halogenoalkane

27
Q

What is formed when an alkene is passed over a heated phosphoric acid catalyst under pressure with steam?

A

Alcohol

28
Q

What is formed when an alcohol is passed over hot pumice and aluminium oxide?

A

Alkene

29
Q

What is formed when an alcohol is distilled with concentrated sulphuric acid and a potassium halide?

A

Halogenoalkane

30
Q

What is formed when an alcohol is distilled after addition of acidified potassium dichromate?

A

Aldehyde

31
Q

What is formed when an aldehyde is warmed with NaBH4 in water and ethanol?

A

Alcohol

32
Q

What is formed when an aldehyde is refluxed with excess acidified potassium dichromate?

A

Carboxylic acid

33
Q

What is formed when a carboxylic acid is heated with alcohol and an acid catalyst?

A

Ester

34
Q

What is formed when an ester is heated with water and an acid catalyst?

A

Carboxylic acid and alcohol