Question

a. Show how the amino acid alanine can be synthesized from propanoic acid. (The structures of the amino acids can be found on page 987.)

b. Show how the amino acid glycine can be synthesized from phthalimide and diethyl 2-bromomalonate.

Short answer

Amino acids constitute compounds comprising an amino group and carboxylic acid group. They can be acidic, basic, or neutral. Some examples of amino acids include alanine, histidine, and arginine.

Step-by-step solution

Amino acids

Amino acids constitute compounds comprising an amino group and carboxylic acid group. They can be acidic, basic, or neutral. Some examples of amino acids include alanine, histidine, and arginine.

Identifying how the given compound can be prepared from starting materials that have no more than five carbons

a. In this reaction, propionic acid reacts with bromine, PBr₃ and water to form 2-bromopropanoic acid. This further reacts with excess ammonia to form alanine. The reaction is given below.

b. In this reaction, phthalimide reacts with a base and diethyl 2-bromomalonate to form a compound. This further reacts with HCl, water, and heat to form glycine. The other products formed are carbon dioxide, ethanol, and phthalic acid.

The reaction is given below.