Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry
Amphoteric (amphiprotic):
A
molecule
that is both an
acid
and a
base
.
Amino acids
such as
glycine
are amphoteric. The
amino group
is a
base
(it can accept a
proton
). The
carboxylic acid group
is an
acid
(it can donate a
proton
).
Related terms:
Hydronium ion
,
hydroxide ion
,
conjugate acid
,
conjugate base
,
carboxylate
,
alkylammonium salt
,
amphotericin
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