Question

Which of the following molecules is capable of forming zwitter ion?

• A. $N{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}COOH$
• B. $C{H}_{3}COOH$
• C. $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}N{H}_2$
• D. $C{Cl}_{3}N{O}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$N{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}COOH$

$N{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}COOH$ is capable of forming zwitter ion. Carboxylic and amino groups of amino acids do not exist as such but they react with each other to form internal salt structure which is called zwitter ion structure.

Zwitter ion is the dipolar form of an amino acid which occurs when $H^{+}$ ion is transferred from an acid group to an amine group. It is a neutral molecule with a positive and a negative electrical charge, though multiple positive and negative charges can be present. Zwitter ions are distinct from dipoles, at different locations within that molecule.