hey studying for chemistry and need help please Watch

Hi,

Amino acids are AMPHOteric (Greek ampho = both so both acidic and alkaline AS IN AMPHIbian [can live in BOTH water and on land like frog])

The -COOH group is the acidic one; the NH2 group is basic.

ADDING ACID: (the NH2 group reacts with the H+ of the acid): H2NCH(CH3)(COOH) + H+ gives H3N+CH(CH3)COOH (the plus after the H3N is a residual charge on the amino group produed by adding a proton (H+).

ADDING ALKALI: (the COOH group [acidic] is neutralized by the OH- of the alkali to give: H2NHCH(CH3)COO- + H2O.

the salts formed will depend on which acid and alkali are used. 1. There will be an anion (e.g. SO4(2-) if sulphuric acid were added)
2. There will be a cation e.g. K+ if potassium hydroxide was the alkali added (KOH)

M (Science tutor)