A-Level Chemistry OCR A H432

6.2.2: Amino acids, amides and chirality

#6.2.2a

the general formula for an α-amino acid as RCH(NH2)COOH and the following reactions of amino acids:

(i) reaction of the carboxylic acid group with alkalis and in the formation of esters (see also 6.1.3c) (ii) reaction of the amine group with acids

#6.2.2b

structures of primary and secondary amides (see also 6.1.3f, 6.2.3a–b)

#6.2.2c

optical isomerism (an example of stereoisomerism, in terms of non-superimposable mirror images about a chiral centre) (see also 4.1.3c–d)

Learners should be able to draw 3-D diagrams to illustrate stereoisomerism.

#6.2.2d

identification of chiral centres in a molecule of any organic compound.

6.2.1
Amines
6.2.3
Polyesters and polyamides