Penicillin Structure: Acidic, Neutral or Basic?

[Kushal]

Homework Statement

"Penicillin"[/URL]

From the structure of penicillin above, would you expect it to be acidic, neutral or basic? Explain your answer as fully as you can.

[h2]Homework Equations[/h2]
[h2]The Attempt at a Solution[/h2]

I think it would be acidic because of the -COOH. The -NH- can be basic, but it is attached to =C=O which is deactivating. the electron density on the N atom is reduced and the tendency to accept a proton decreases.

The other Nitrogen atom is also bonded to a deactivating =C=O.

Is this reasoning ok?

thnks

 

[chemisttree]

You got it.

 

[Kushal]

nice... thnks