Amino acids can be separated by thin-layer chromatography. A mixture of amino acids is analysed using this technique. The chromatogram obtained is shown, drawn to scale. The table shows some R_f values for different amino acids in the solvent used. [Figure X.X]
- (a)(i)Use the chromatogram and the R_f values to deduce the amino acid responsible for spot A and spot B. amino acid responsible for spot A amino acid responsible for spot B[1]
- (a)(ii)A second chromatogram of the same mixture is taken using a more polar solvent. Predict the effect on the R_f values of the amino acids. Explain your reasoning.[1]
- (b)(i)Glycine, H₂NCH₂CO₂H, is the simplest amino acid. Complete the equations to show the acid-base properties of glycine. H₂NCH₂CO₂H(aq) + HCl(aq) → H₂NCH₂CO₂H(aq) + NaOH(aq) →[2]
- (b)(ii)In aqueous solution, amino acids exist as zwitterions. Draw the zwitterionic structure of glycine. Explain how the zwitterion for glycine is formed.[2]
- (c)Apart from glycine, all naturally occurring amino acids have a chiral centre and exhibit stereoisomerism. Draw the two stereoisomers of alanine, CH₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H. [Figure X.X][1]
- (d)(i)The amino acid alanine can be synthesised from 2-chloropropanoic acid, CH₃CHClCO₂H. State the reagents and conditions and name the mechanism for this reaction. reagents and conditions name of mechanism[2]
- (d)(ii)State and explain the relative acidities of trichloroethanoic acid, chloroethanoic acid and ethanoic acid.[3]
- (e)Serine, HOCH₂CH(NH₂)CO₂H, can react with alanine, CH₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H, to form three different structural isomers, each with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂N₂O₄. Draw the structures of these three structural isomers. [Figure X.X][3]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] A= leucine; B= glutamic acid; both [1]
- [1] greater and more soluble in the solvent/mobile phase OR greater and form more H-bonds with the solvent
- [1] H₂NCH₂CO₂H + HCl → CH₃N⁺CH₂CO₂H (Correction: H₃N⁺CH₂CO₂H)
- [1] H₂NCH₂CO₂H + NaOH → H₂NCH₂CO₂⁻Na⁺ + H₂O
- [1] H₃N⁺CH₂CO₂⁻
- [1] Proton is transferred from the CO₂H group to the NH₂ group
- [1] two non-superimposable mirror images for alanine drawn
- [1] NH₃ (in ethanol) heat in a sealed tube
- [1] nucleophilic substitution
- [1] acidity of Cl₃CCO₂H > ClCH₂CO₂H > CH₃CO₂H
- [1] any two of: Cl is electronegative / electron withdrawing group AND C_nCCl₂H has more / 3 Cl groups weakens O-H bond so more likely to ionise / dissociate OR negative charge on anion is more stabilised OR charge / electron density on COO⁻ decreases so anion is (more) stabilised
- [1] CH₃ is electron donating so O-H bond is stronger so less likely to ionise in CH₃CO₂H OR CH₃CO₂H has no -I group so O-H bond is stronger and less likely to ionise
- [3] One mark for each structure. [1] [1] [1]
Write your answer and get it marked
On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.
Sign up free →