Explain why the pKa of the - NH3+ group of an a-amino acid is lower than the pKa of the ammonium ion derived from a 1° amine (RNH3+). For example the pKa of the - NH3+ group of alanine is 9.87 but the pKa of CH3NH3+ is 10.63.

Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
11th Edition
ISBN:9781285869759
Author:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Publisher:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Chapter22: Proteins
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 22.35P: 22-35 Why is histidine considered a basic amino acid when the pKa of its side chain is 6.0?
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Explain why the pKa of the - NH3+ group of an a-amino acid is lower than the pKa of the ammonium ion derived from a 1° amine (RNH3+). For example the pKa of the - NH3+ group of alanine is 9.87 but the pKa of CH3NH3+ is 10.63.

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