[Jose M.]

Hi.

Organic acids/bases are much weaker than their inorganic counterparts. Because of this fact, organic acid/base reactions dont usually go to completion and are in equilibrium and represented by Kc. Because of this weakness, Ka/Kb are used. I have the impression that most so-called organic acids/bases are really amphoterics (amphiprotics), that the only true organic acids are carboxilic acids and that the only true organic bases are amines. Am I correct ? Because of their similarity to amines, I suppose that amides are the next strongest bases, second to amines. Am I correct ? Amides are like amines, but with the addition of a carbonyl group.

Amino acids of both L and D configurations are amphiprotics. Does this mean that carboxilic acids are strictly acids, and amines are strictly bases ? The amino acids that constitute peptides (proteins) are of the L type. In peptides the amino acids are united by amide bonds. I know that amines and amides are related, but are amides and carboxilic acids related ?

Please tell me. Thanx.

José M.
-2006-

[Mitch]

Hexane could be considered an acid depending on pH. I think saying something is a "true" "fill in the blank" is not a good approach. Chemistry is the science of grays and exceptions.

[AWK]

Amine is usually treated as base, but in some cases can be also an acid.

RNH2 + Na = RNHNa + 1/2H2

[movies]

Carboxylic acids can also be bases; they can be protonated in the presence of very strong acids such as trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.