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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solubility of histidine in water and the role of dilute sodium hydroxide in increasing this solubility. Participants explore the chemical interactions involved and seek clarification on the underlying mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that histidine is not soluble in water but dissolves when dilute sodium hydroxide is added, prompting a question about the reaction that occurs.
  • The same participant expresses uncertainty about the chemical equation involving histidine and sodium hydroxide, indicating difficulty in identifying the products of the reaction.
  • Another participant provides a general statement about the reaction between acids and bases, suggesting that they produce salt and water, but does not connect this to the specific case of histidine and sodium hydroxide.
  • A further comment questions the nature of the acid-base reaction, indicating a need for clarification on the concepts involved.
  • One participant confirms that histidine is indeed an amino acid, although this does not directly address the solubility question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants expressing uncertainty about the chemical reactions involved and how they relate to histidine's solubility. There is no consensus on the specific products of the reaction or the detailed explanation of the solubility change.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific assumptions or definitions regarding the terms used, and there are unresolved questions about the chemical mechanisms at play.

fdvet91
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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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