General Instructions:

In this activity, you will demonstrate your understanding of nitrogen and phosphorous-containing compounds, their derivatives, and their various reactions.

Step 1: Select and Reflect

Select one of the topics below and demonstrate your understanding of them in theoretical and practical settings:

• Amino Acids

• Phosphorous-Containing Compounds

Step 2: Respond

Answer any one of the following questions: 

1. Given an amino acid with the amino group at pH 6 and the carboxyl group at pH 4, what is the charge state of the amino acid at pH 7, and what is the isoelectric point of the peptide? Describe how you arrived at your answer.

2. Describe what nucleophilicity and reducing character mean for phosphorous compounds. Give examples of phosphorous compounds that act as nucleophiles or reducing agents in organic synthesis. Explain how their nucleophilicity and reducing character depend on their oxidation state and structure.

3. Describe how ylides are prepared from phosphonium salts and name some common ylide reagents and their applications in organic synthesis.

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. You do not need to share your drawings that were done in the chemistry tool, but you can discuss them if needed. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for the grade you have provided and comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback, and click “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are …..

Item B is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are…..

Item C is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are…..

Item D is ….. because …… My suggestions for improvement are ……

Item E is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are …..

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”