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

17. Amines

Amine Reactions

GOB Chemistry

17. Amines

Amine Reactions

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Problem 44

Textbook Question

Choline has the following structure. Do you think that this substance reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid? If so, what is the product? If not, why not?

Verified step by step guidance

Examine the structure of choline. Choline is an organic compound with a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a quaternary ammonium group (N⁺ with four alkyl groups attached). The quaternary ammonium group is already positively charged and does not have a lone pair of electrons to accept a proton.

Understand the nature of hydrochloric acid (HCl). HCl is a strong acid that dissociates completely in water to produce H⁺ (protons) and Cl⁻ (chloride ions). Acids typically react with bases or substances that can accept protons.

Determine if choline can react with HCl. Since the quaternary ammonium group in choline is already positively charged and cannot accept additional protons, it will not react with HCl. The hydroxyl group (-OH) in choline is not basic enough to react with HCl either.

Conclude that choline does not react with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The structure of choline does not have any functional groups that can interact with H⁺ ions from HCl.

Summarize the reasoning: Choline does not react with aqueous HCl because its quaternary ammonium group is already fully protonated and the hydroxyl group is not reactive under these conditions.

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Key Concepts

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

Choline Structure and Properties

Choline is a quaternary ammonium compound with a positively charged nitrogen atom and a hydroxyl group. Its structure includes a hydrocarbon chain, which influences its solubility and reactivity. Understanding its molecular structure is essential to predict how it interacts with acids and other reagents.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between substances. In this context, hydrochloric acid (HCl) can donate protons, and choline, being a basic compound due to its nitrogen atom, can accept protons. This interaction is crucial for determining whether a reaction occurs and what products are formed.

Reaction Products

The products of a reaction depend on the reactants' nature and the conditions under which the reaction occurs. In the case of choline and hydrochloric acid, the expected product would be a choline chloride salt, formed by the protonation of choline. Understanding how to predict reaction products is vital for analyzing chemical interactions.