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Structure and Reactions of Amino Acids

Structure and Reactions of Amino Acids

An α\alphaα-amino acid is a bifunctional compound containing both a basic amine group (-NH2\text{-NH}_2-NH2​) and an acidic carboxylic acid group (-COOH\text{-COOH}-COOH) attached to the same central carbon atom (the α\alphaα-carbon).

Because they possess both acidic and basic functional groups within a single molecule, amino acids are amphoteric and can undergo reactions characteristic of both groups.

Amino acids, amides and chirality Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Amino acids, amides and chirality

Step-by-step lessons on OCR A A Level Chemistry Amino acids, amides and chirality. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Build confidence with atomic structure, bonding and moles calculations early on, since these underpin the more demanding organic mechanisms, equilibrium and practical-analysis topics that dominate Year 2.

Lessons