- #1
Functional group in aspartame molecule
- Context: Chemistry
- Thread starter desmond iking
- Start date
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- Tags
- Functional Group Molecule
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying the functional groups present in the aspartame molecule, focusing on the carbonyl group and its classification within different functional groups such as amides and esters. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical reasoning related to organic chemistry.
Discussion Character
- Homework-related
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Participants question which functional group is present in the aspartame molecule, specifically regarding the carbonyl group.
- Some participants assert that -COO- is not a carbonyl group but rather part of an ester, while carbonyl is defined as -CO-.
- There is a contention about the presence of the carbonyl group in the molecule, with some insisting it is present and others denying it.
- One participant notes that carbonyl groups retain properties even when part of larger functional groups, suggesting the question may be misleading.
- Another participant suggests that the terminology could be clearer if "ketone" were used instead of "carbonyl," while acknowledging that C=O groups in amides, esters, and carboxylic acids can be considered carbonyls but not ketones.
- There is a clarification that the structure being discussed is not an amide but an alpha amino acid, with a request for more specific guidance on identifying the functional groups in the diagram.
- One participant emphasizes that an amide requires a direct connection of carbonyl to nitrogen, which is not present in the discussed structure.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express disagreement regarding the presence and classification of the carbonyl group in the aspartame molecule, with no consensus reached on the correct identification of functional groups.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved questions about the structural representation of functional groups in the aspartame molecule, including the definitions and characteristics of carbonyls, amides, and esters.
![IMG_20140626_011203[1].jpg](/data/attachments/54/54514-9de5109cf93108a107529e8411ddc184.jpg?hash=neUQnPkxCK)
- #2
Saitama
- 4,244
- 93
desmond iking said:
-COO- is not carbonyl, its for ester. Carbonyl is simply -CO-.
- #3
desmond iking
- 284
- 2
Pranav-Arora said:
yes , i noted . but can you try to answer my question please? thanks... the C0- grouo is present in the molecule
- #4
Saitama
- 4,244
- 93
desmond iking said:
No, it is not present. Rather, you have -CONH- which is an amide and -COO-, which is an ester.
- #5
Borek
Mentor
- 29,203
- 4,626
It is always a part of other functional group, not a functional group alone (like in acetone).
But to be honest I don't like the question - carbonyl is so characteristic it retains some of its properties even when it is a part of the larger functional group, so I agree the way question is constructed can be confusing and misleading.
But to be honest I don't like the question - carbonyl is so characteristic it retains some of its properties even when it is a part of the larger functional group, so I agree the way question is constructed can be confusing and misleading.
- #6
- 3,753
- 4,198
The question would have been more clear is they said ketone rather than carbonyl. I would say the C=O group in amides, esters, and carboxylic acids all count as carbonyls, but they don't count as ketones.
- #7
- #8
Borek
Mentor
- 29,203
- 4,626
What you have drawn is not an amide, it is an alpha aminoacid.
Amide needs a direct connection of carbonyl to nitrogen.
Amide needs a direct connection of carbonyl to nitrogen.
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