Several \(\beta\)-amino acids exist. There is a unit of \(\beta\)-alanine, for example, contained within the structure of coenzyme A (Problem 25.35). Write the structural formula of \(\beta\)-alanine.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The structural formula of β-alanine is H3C-CH(NH2)-COOH.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the backbone of β-alanine

The backbone of an amino acid consists of a central (or α) carbon atom, to which the amino and carboxyl groups are attached. In β-alanine, the amino and carboxyl groups are attached to the β-carbon, which is next to the α-carbon.
02

Add the amino group

The amino group (-NH2) is a functional group found in amino acids. In β-alanine, the amino group is attached to the β-carbon, which is one carbon atom away from the α-carbon. We can represent this as: H3C-CH(NH2)-
03

Add the carboxyl group

The carboxyl group (-COOH) is another functional group found in amino acids. In β-alanine, the carboxyl group is also attached to the β-carbon. To complete the structural formula for β-alanine, we add the carboxyl group to the β-carbon: H3C-CH(NH2)-COOH
04

Finalize the structural formula of β-alanine

The complete structural formula of β-alanine is: H3C-CH(NH2)-COOH

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