How do you explain the amphoteric behaviour of amino acids?


Amino acids contain an acidic (carboxyl group) and a basic (amino) group within the same molecule. In aqueous solution, they neutralize each other. The carboxyl group loses a proton while the amino group accepts it. S a result, A dipolar or zwitter-ion is formed.


In zwitter ionic form, the amino acid show amphoteric behaviour as they react with both acids and bases. In the acidic medium, COO- ion of the zwitter-ion accepts a proton to form the cation first, while in the basic medium,+NH3 ion loses a proton to form the anion, as shown below:-



Thus, amino acids show amphoteric behaviour.


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