Solution Found!
A mixture of amino acids was treated with ninhydrin, and
Chapter 25, Problem 25.55(choose chapter or problem)
A mixture of amino acids was treated with ninhydrin, and the following aldehydes were all observed in the product mixture: S H O O H H H O (a) Identify the structure and name all three amino acids in the starting mixture. (b) In addition to the aldehydes, a purple-colored product is obtained. Draw the structure of the compound responsible for the purple color. (c) Describe the origin of the purple color.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
A mixture of amino acids was treated with ninhydrin, and the following aldehydes were all observed in the product mixture: S H O O H H H O (a) Identify the structure and name all three amino acids in the starting mixture. (b) In addition to the aldehydes, a purple-colored product is obtained. Draw the structure of the compound responsible for the purple color. (c) Describe the origin of the purple color.
ANSWER:Step 1 of 4
In this multi-part exercise, we’re shown the structures of a mixture of amino acids that are treated with ninhydrin. Following reaction, the following aldehydes were all observed in the product mixture:
Recall that ninhydrin is an organic reagent designed to react with amino acids (under basic conditions) to form a purple colored tetracyclic product. It can be used as a test for amino acids, making it useful in forensic chemistry. Other reaction products include water, carbon dioxide, and an aldehyde based on the nature of the starting amino acid. The R chain on the position of the amino acid becomes the R chain of the aldehyde after reaction with ninhydrin.
The exercise asks us a series of questions about this reaction