Functional Groups in Alanine (CH₃CH(NH₂)COOH)

What functional groups are in Alanine (CH₃CH(NH₂)COOH)?

Alanine (CH₃CH(NH₂)COOH) contains 2 functional groups: Carboxylic Acid (-COOH), Amine (-NH₂). A simple amino acid with both amine and carboxylic acid functional groups.

FormulaCH₃CH(NH₂)COOH
NameAlanine
Number of Functional Groups2
Functional Groups PresentCarboxylic Acid (-COOH), Amine (-NH₂)
DescriptionA simple amino acid with both amine and carboxylic acid functional groups.

Overview

Alanine is one of the 20 standard amino acids. Amino acids have two functional groups: an amine (-NH₂) and a carboxylic acid (-COOH).

Carboxylic Acid (-COOH)

The carboxylic acid group (-COOH) has a carbon with a double bond to oxygen (C=O) and a single bond to -OH. This is the acidic end of the amino acid.

Amine (-NH₂)

The amine group (-NH₂) is a nitrogen bonded to two hydrogens. This is the basic end of the amino acid. Together, -COOH and -NH₂ define all amino acids.

Complete Analysis

Both functional groups are highlighted: carboxylic acid (-COOH) and amine (-NH₂). These two groups are what make this molecule an amino acid.

Interactive 3D functional group identification with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes on 12 molecules.

Identify Functional Groups in Alanine in 3D

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