Cation and Anion solubility

[regeneration]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Bit of a simple question:

I know that anions (e.g. deprotonated carboxylic acid) are more soluble in water, but are cations more soluble as well (e.g. protonated amine NR2H2 vs NR2H)? And why are ions more soluble?

I am, of course, referencing amino acids here.

Thanks.

 

[dsoz]

In general terms, AAs are organic, so they have low solubilities in water. Unless the side chain has polar groups that allow interactions with the polar water molecule, or hydroxyl or amine groups to allow for hydrogen bonding.

Making the ionic form allows for ion/dipole interactions, which tend to make things more soluble in water.

This is a short version. There are many more variable to consider, but this should get you started.

dsoz