The pK_a of the α−carboxyl group of an amino acid is ____ by the presence on the amine group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of the amine group on an amino acid can lead to protonation of the α−carboxyl group, which would decrease the pK_a value by more than 2 pH units. This is due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the positively charged amine group, which stabilizes the negatively charged carboxylate group and makes it more acidic.

The PKa of the α−Carboxyl Group of an Amino Acid

The PK_a of the α−Carboxyl Group of an Amino Acid