2019 A Level H2 Chemistry Paper 1 Question 25 - Deduce Major Species for Glutamic Acid at pH 7

Here's 2019 A Level Chemistry Paper 1 Question 25.

We have to deduce the major species for glutamic acid at pH 7.

First we need to deduce the pK_a values for the functional groups present in glutamic acid.

alpha acid - pK_a 2.1
R group acid - pK_a 4.1
alpha amine - pK_a 9.5

Next we have to figure out how each of these functional groups would respond at pH 7.

alpha acid - since pH 7 > pK_a 2.1, the solution is alkaline with respect to alpha acid, so alpha acid will react with alkaline solution to form -COO^- group

R group acid - since pH 7 > pK_a 4.1, the solution is alkaline with respect to R group acid, so R group acid will react with alkaline solution to form -COO^- group

alpha amine - since pH 7 < pK_a 9.5, the solution is acidic with respect to alpha amine, so alpha amine will react with acidic solution to form -NH₃⁺ group

So we can put everything together to deduce the major species at pH 7.

Comparing the options, we can deduce the answer to this question is option B.

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

Back to list of questions for 2019 A Level H2 Chemistry Paper 1

Found this A Level Chemistry video useful?

Please LIKE this video and SHARE it with your friends!

Join my 4000+ subscribers on my YouTube Channel for new A Level Chemistry video lessons every week.

Check out other A Level Chemistry Video Lessons here!

Need an experienced tutor to make Chemistry simpler for you?

Do consider signing up for my JC Chemistry Tuition classes at Bishan, weekly LIVE webinars or online tuition classes!