PDA

View Full Version : organic chemistry question (histidine reaction)


fdvet91
Aug21-11, 05:59 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Histidine is an amino acid. It is not soluble in water but it will dissolve in water when dilute sodium hydroxide is added.

The question has two parts to it:
part-a)
Write an equation for the reaction that occurs between histidine and dilute sodium hydroxide.
part-b)
Explain why the solubility of the water changes after the sodium hydroxide is added

2. Relevant equations
we are also given the structure of histidine as shown in the link
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/histidine1.gif/


3. The attempt at a solution

i have no clue with equation work. i managed to get..... C6H9N3O2 + NaOH >
cannot figure out what the product(s) is/are going to be
part-b)attempt
the ph will increase once NaOH is added but i dont see how that has anything to do with solubility. any help would be appreciated, thanks.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

Borek
Aug22-11, 04:33 AM
How does an acid react with a base?

fdvet91
Aug23-11, 12:54 AM
an acid will react with a base to give salt and water

acid + base = salt +water
not sure what you mean by that though

Borek
Aug23-11, 02:48 AM
Histidine is an aminoacid, isn't it?