6.2.2
Amino Acids,
Amides and
Chirality
Section 6.2.2 covers α-amino acids RCH(NH₂)COOH and the reactions of their carboxylic acid group with alkalis and in ester formation and of their amine group with acids (a); the structures of primary and secondary amides (b); and optical isomerism as non-superimposable mirror images about a chiral centre, with the identification of chiral centres in any organic molecule (c)-(d). The chirality pages were published with the carbonyl and carboxylic acid sections; the amino acid and amide pages are new.
Revision Notes
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Optical Isomerism and Chirality
Optical isomerism and chirality: chiral centres, asymmetric carbon atoms, enantiomers as non-superimposable mirror images and drawing 3D diagrams.
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Optical Activity and Racemic Mixtures
Optical activity: plane-polarised light, enantiomers, racemic mixtures and why some reactions give racemates.
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Amides
Amides: structure, naming, preparation from acyl chlorides and the amide link.
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Amino Acids and Zwitterions
Amino acids: zwitterions, acid and base behaviour, the isoelectric point and chirality.
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Amino Acids Map
OCR A Level Chemistry A · 6.2.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality
Every reaction on one A4 page: reagents, conditions and reaction type for each arrow, colour coded, with the key tests.
Amino Acids and Amides Map
OCR A Level Chemistry A · 6.2.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality
All of 6.2.2 on one A4 page: amino acids with acids and alkalis, esters, primary and secondary amides, and chiral centres.
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6.2.2
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