Why Does Sodium Hydroxide Increase Histidine's Solubility in Water?

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SUMMARY

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) increases the solubility of histidine, an amino acid, in water through a chemical reaction that alters the pH. The reaction can be represented as C6H9N3O2 + NaOH → C6H8N3O2Na + H2O, where histidine reacts with NaOH to form a soluble salt. The increase in pH facilitates the ionization of histidine, enhancing its solubility in aqueous solutions. Understanding this reaction is crucial for applications in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of amino acid structures and properties
  • Basic knowledge of acid-base chemistry
  • Familiarity with chemical reaction equations
  • Knowledge of pH and its effects on solubility
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ionization of amino acids in different pH environments
  • Learn about the role of sodium hydroxide in biochemical reactions
  • Explore the solubility principles of organic compounds in water
  • Investigate the applications of histidine in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry
USEFUL FOR

Students studying biochemistry, chemists interested in amino acid properties, and professionals working in pharmaceutical development will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement



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

Homework Equations


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


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 don't see how that has anything to do with solubility. any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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How does an acid react with a base?
 
an acid will react with a base to give salt and water

acid + base = salt +water
not sure what you mean by that though
 
Histidine is an aminoacid, isn't it?
 
Last edited:

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