Question

Glycine ${NH}_2{CH}_{2}COOH$ behaves:

• A. As a Bronsted acid
• B. As a Bronsted base
• C. Both as an acid nor as a base
• D. Neither as an acid nor as a base

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both as an acid nor as a base

$N{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}COOH$ is a zwitter ion which exists as $N{H}_3^{+}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}$.

In acidic medium $H^{+}$ ion is added to $N{H}_3^{+}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}$ and it becomes $N{H}_3^{+}C{H}_{2}COOH$.

In basic medium $H^{+}$ ion is removed from $N{H}_3^{+}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}$ and it becomes $N{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}$.

So it behaves as both acid and base.