Amino acid [chemical formula, Physical, Chemical Properties and Reactions)

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

chemical formula of amino acid is H2N-CH(R)-COOH.

Physical Properties:

Properties Details
Boiling PointDecomposes before boiling
ColorGenerally colorless or white crystals
DensityVaries for each amino acid
Melting PointVaries for each amino acid, typically within the range of 200-300°C
OdorOdorless
Optical ActivityAmino acids are optically active and exist in L- and D- enantiomers
SolubilitySoluble in water and polar solvents; insoluble in nonpolar solvents
StateSolid (at room temperature)

Chemical Properties:

Properties Details
Acid-Base PropertiesAct as both acids and bases, undergoes acid-base reactions
Amino GroupContains an amino group (-NH₂)
Carboxyl GroupContains a carboxyl group (-COOH)
Hydrophobicity/HydrophilicityVaries based on the nature of the R-group
IsomerismChiral compounds with L- and D- enantiomers
Peptide Bond FormationAmino acids combine via condensation reactions to form peptide bonds
ReactivityCan participate in various chemical reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis
Side ChainThe R-group, varies for each amino acid, giving it unique properties

Reactions of  amino acid with Alkali Metal

Alkali MetalReaction with   a.a
Lithium (Li)  production  of lithium salt (Li   a.a )
Sodium (Na)  production  of sodium salt (Na   a.a )
Potassium (K)  production  of potassium salt (K   a.a )
Rubidium (Rb)  production  of rubidium salt (Rb   a.a )
Cesium (Cs)  production  of cesium salt (Cs   a.a )
Francium (Fr)  production  of francium salt (Fr   a.a )

Reactions of   amino acid with Alkaline Earth Metal

Alkaline Earth MetalReaction with   a.a
Beryllium (Be)  production  of beryllium salt (Be   a.a )
Magnesium (Mg)  production  of magnesium salt (Mg   a.a )
Calcium (Ca)  production  of calcium salt (Ca   a.a )
Strontium (Sr)  production  of strontium salt (Sr   a.a )
Barium (Ba)  production  of barium salt (Ba   a.a )
Radium (Ra)  production  of radium salt (Ra   a.a )

Reactions of   amino acid with Transition Metal

Transition Metal Reaction Equation
Iron (Fe)Fe2+ + 2   a.a  → [Fe(  a.a )2]2+
Copper (Cu)Cu2+ + 2   a.a  → [Cu(  a.a )2]2+
Zinc (Zn)Zn2+ + 2   a.a  → [Zn(  a.a )2]2+
Nickel (Ni)Ni2+ + 2   a.a  → [Ni(  a.a )2]2+
Cobalt (Co)Co2+ + 2   a.a  → [Co(  a.a )2]2+
Manganese (Mn)Mn2+ + 2   a.a  → [Mn(  a.a )2]2+
Chromium (Cr)Cr3+ + 3   a.a  → [Cr(  a.a )3]3+
Silver (Ag)Ag+ +   a.a  → [Ag(  a.a )]+

Reactions of   amino acid with Non-Transition Metal

Non-Transition Metal Reaction Equation
Aluminum (Al)Al3+ + 3   a.a  → [Al(  a.a )3]3+
Sodium (Na)Na+ +   a.a  → Na(  a.a )
Potassium (K)K+ +   a.a  → K(  a.a )
Magnesium (Mg)Mg2+ + 2   a.a  → Mg(  a.a )2
Calcium (Ca)Ca2+ + 2   a.a  → Ca(  a.a )2
Barium (Ba)Ba2+ + 2   a.a  → Ba(  a.a )2
Zinc (Zn)Zn2+ + 2   a.a  → [Zn(  a.a )2]2+
Copper (Cu)Cu2+ + 2   a.a  → [Cu(  a.a )2]2+

Reactions of   amino acid  with Non-Metal

Non-Metal Reaction Equation
Hydrogen (H2)  a.a  + H2 → Amino Alcohol
Oxygen (O2)  a.a  + O2 → Oxidized Products
Chlorine (Cl2)  a.a  + Cl2 → Chlorinated Products
Nitrogen (N2)  a.a  + N2 → Nitrogenous Products
Sulfur (S)  a.a  + S → Sulfur-   including products
Phosphorus (P)  a.a  + P → Phosphorus-   including products

Reactions of   amino acid  with Metalloid

Metalloid Reaction Equation
Boron (B)  a.a  + B → Boron-   including products
Silicon (Si)  a.a  + Si → Silicon-   including products
Germanium (Ge)  a.a  + Ge → Germanium-   including products
Arsenic (As)  a.a  + As → Arsenic-   including products
Antimony (Sb)  a.a  + Sb → Antimony-   including products
Tellurium (Te)  a.a  + Te → Tellurium-   including products