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Reactions of Amino Acids: Acylation definitions

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  • Acylation
    Transformation where an acyl group is introduced, typically converting an amino group into an amide in amino acids.
  • Amino Group
    Functional group in amino acids that acts as a strong nucleophile, favoring reaction with acylating agents.
  • Amide
    Product formed when an acyl group replaces a hydrogen on nitrogen, resulting from acylation of an amino group.
  • Acid Chloride
    Reactive carboxylic acid derivative commonly used to introduce acyl groups during acylation reactions.
  • Acetic Anhydride
    Acylating agent that reacts with amino groups to form amides, often used in the presence of pyridine.
  • Pyridine
    Basic organic compound used as a catalyst or base to facilitate acylation by neutralizing byproducts.
  • Nucleophile
    Species with a strong tendency to donate electrons, such as the amino group in amino acids during acylation.
  • Carboxylate Ion
    Deprotonated form of a carboxylic acid group, less nucleophilic than the amino group in acylation reactions.
  • Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
    Mechanism where a nucleophile replaces a leaving group on an acyl compound, forming a new bond.
  • Amide Bond
    Covalent linkage formed between a carbonyl carbon and a nitrogen, characteristic of acylated amino acids.
  • Acyl Group
    Moiety derived from a carboxylic acid, introduced onto nitrogen during acylation to form an amide.
  • Carboxylic Acid Derivative
    Compound structurally related to carboxylic acids, such as acid chlorides, used in acylation.
  • Anhydride
    Functional group that could form if acylation occurred at the carboxylate instead of the amino group.