Chapter 22, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The Lewis diagram of the general structure of an amino acid is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

The Lewis diagram shows the bonding between different atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons in the molecule. It shows how the valence electrons of an atom are arranged in the molecule. In Lewis diagram, two electrons between the atoms are indicated as a line to show bonding between atoms.

Answer to Problem 1E

The Lewis diagram of the general structure of an amino acid is shown below.

Explanation of Solution

The Lewis structure of a compound shows how the valence electrons of an atom are arranged in the molecule. The molecular structures are given by its valence electrons and lone pairs on central atom.

The total number of valence electrons in an amino acid is the sum of valence electrons of two carbon atoms, valence electrons of four hydrogen atoms, valence electrons of one nitrogen atom and valence electron of two oxygen atoms. There are four valence electrons on carbon atom, one valence electron on each hydrogen atom, five valence electrons on nitrogen atom and six valence electrons on each oxygen atom. Therefore, the total number of valence electron in an amino acid is $29$. The Lewis diagram of an amino acid molecule is shown below in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Conclusion

The Lewis diagram of the general structure of an amino acid is shown in Figure 1.