Question

When an amino acid solution which is slightly alkaline is subjected to electrolysis, the resulting component migrates towards__________.

• A. Cathode due to zwitter ion formation.
• B. Anode due to the conversion of zwitter ion to negative ion.
• C. Migrate to cathode due to the conversion to negative ion.
• D. One component towards cathode and the other towards anode due to the zwitter ion formation.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Anode due to the conversion of zwitter ion to negative ion.

There are two functional groups present in one molecule of amino acid which is of opposite nature. One is amino group which show basic nature and another is acidic carboxyl group. Therefore, amino acid molecule exists as a dipolar ion also called as zwitterion in which amino group converts in ammonium ion (NH4+) and carboxyl group changes to carboxylate ion (-COO-). The overall molecule is neutral in nature due to the presence of opposite charges.
During the electrolysis of amino acid solution, the movement of ion depends upon the pH of medium. In acidic medium, amino group converts to ammonium ion and molecule converts to cation which move towards cathode. On the other hand, in basic medium carboxyl group convert in carboxylate ion and show the movement towards anode.