amino acid question

[echoyjeff222]

So I got this right by narrowing down, but I'm trying to figure out what "inductive effect of cationic side chain" refers to ... is it referring to the arginine? If so, is it trying to say that the + charge pulls electrons from the OH thus making it more acidic for the arginine?

So confusing the way they worded it -- it's like they were trying to be tricky and the question just ended up a bit wacky

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[justadream]

@echoyjeff222

.

 

[echoyjeff222]

@echoyjeff222

I assume the answer is B.

I think the "inductive effect of the cationic side chain" is referring to the C=O group on Arginine (although the question make it seem like the are referring to the side chain of ALANINE?). This C=O is electron-withdrawing. EW groups increase the acidity of nearby protic hydrogens.

You mean the C=N group?

 

[justadream]

You mean the C=N group?

Lol just realized that I was thinking of Asparaginine.

Ignore what I said there.

I think nitriles are electron-withdrawing so I guess the same logic applies.