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Question

Why are amino acids amphoteric?


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Solution

  • An amino acid behaves as an acid in an alkaline medium because it contains an Acidic functional group(COOH) in its molecule.
  • An amino acid behaves as a Base in an acidic medium because it contains a basic functional group (NH2)in its molecule.

Zwitter ion

  • The term zwitterion is originally derived from the German word Zwitter which can be roughly translated as hybrid or hermaphrodite.
  • A zwitterion is an ion that contains two functional groups.
  • In simple terms, it is an ion possessing both positive and negative electrical charges.
  • The zwitterions are mostly electrically neutral.

Hence they behave as acids in an alkaline medium and bases in an acidic medium. So, amino acids are amphoteric.


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