A Level Chemistry 2017 Paper 1 Question 26 Solution - Exclusive

In this exclusive video we want to discuss the suggested solution for A Levels Chemistry (H2 Chemistry) 2017 Paper 1 Question 26.

Let Chemistry Guru, Singapore's top JC Chemistry tuition centre, guide you through this question:

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 question

The topic tested in this question is on Primary Structure of Proteins under Nitrogen Compounds. If you are keen to know more about alpha amino acids and drawing primary structure of proteins, check out this video lesson here.

The primary structure of protein is the unique sequence of amino acids joined together via peptide linkages to form a polypeptide chain or backbone.

Since all amino acids in proteins are alpha amino acids, the primary structure of protein follows a very predictable repeat unit:

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 repeat unit of protein primary structure

The first thing to do is to find the continuous polypeptide chain (repeat unit of positions 1,2 and 3) and to identify all the R groups that are attached to position 2.

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 find position 123 and R group

We can now look through the options and see if the R groups for the amino acids in options A to D could be found in the primary structure.

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 compare option to eliminate R group

Hence we can eliminate option D, since the R group -CH2CH2-Ph-OH is not found in the protein given.

Next we need to determine the structure of amino acid at low pH.

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 structure of amino acid at low pH

We would expect the acid group to remain as -COOH group, while the amine will accept a proton to form conjugate acid -NH3+ group.

Finally we can look through the remaining options again and determine the answer to this question is option A.

2017 A Level H2 Chemistry P1 Q26 compare option to identify answer

Check out this video for the full solution and detailed explanation!

Topic: Nitrogen Compounds, Organic Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

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