“A zwitterion is a molecule that has both positive and negative regions of charge.” In the solid state, amino acids exist as dipolar ions called zwitterions. While discussing whether a substance is zwitterionic or not, the pH rangein which the information is required must be specified (because a sufficiently alkaline solution will change the zwitterion to an anion, and a sufficiently acid solution will change it to a cation). Some key Characteristics of Zwitterionare; 1. They can be formed from compounds like ampholytes which contain both acid and base groups in their molecules. 2. In this type of ions, the charged atoms are usually held together by one or more covalent bonds. 3. Zwitterionic compounds have stable, separated unit electrical charges on atoms. 4. These compounds contain quaternary ammonium cations. Let us further understand the topic by looking at an example of Zwitterion. See full list on byjus.com Amino Acids Amino acids are the most common example of zwitterions. They are made up of an ammonium or amino group which contains a positive charge as well as a carboxyl groupwhich contains a negative charge. The zwitterion form of an amino acid is given below. Apart from amino acids, any compound that contains acid and basecentres can obtain a Zwitterion form. Some more examples include tricine, bicine, solid sulfamic acid, alkaloids like psilocybin amongst others. See full list on byjus.com See full list on byjus.com The pH value at the isoelectric point can be calculated from the equilibrium constants (acid and base) of the Zwitterion. It is represented by the formula; Where, 1. pI = isoelectric point, 2. Ka1= the equilibrium constant of the acid. 3. Ka2= the equilibrium constant of the base. See full list on byjus.com See full list on byjus.com
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