Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Functional Groups in Chemistry

GOB Chemistry

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Functional Groups in Chemistry

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2:03 minutes

Problem 20a

Textbook Question

Identify all the functional groups present in the following:
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by identifying the structure of Aspartame. Aspartame is a dipeptide composed of aspartic acid and phenylalanine methyl ester. You will need to examine the molecular structure to locate functional groups.

Step 2: Look for the carboxylic acid group (-COOH). This group is typically present in amino acids like aspartic acid and is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group.

Step 3: Identify the amine group (-NH2). This functional group is common in amino acids and consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Step 4: Locate the ester group (-COOR). In Aspartame, the phenylalanine component is methylated, forming a methyl ester. This group is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to another oxygen atom that is bonded to a carbon chain.

Step 5: Identify the aromatic ring (benzene ring). The phenylalanine portion of Aspartame contains a benzene ring, which is a six-carbon cyclic structure with alternating double bonds.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of organic compounds. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and amine (-NH2), each imparting unique chemical behavior.

Aspartame Structure

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Its structure includes an ester bond formed between the carboxyl group of aspartic acid and the hydroxyl group of phenylalanine, which is crucial for its sweetness and stability. Understanding its molecular structure helps in identifying the functional groups present.

Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactivity refers to the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical changes in a reaction. The presence of functional groups in a molecule significantly influences its reactivity, determining how it interacts with other substances. For aspartame, the functional groups dictate its behavior in biological systems and its interaction with taste receptors.

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