Aspartic Acid: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Aspartic acid is a form of amino acids, which is formed of one amino group and two carboxylic groups. The molecular formula of Aspartic acid is C4H7NO4. Aspartic acid was first discovered from the plant seeds of legumin in 1868. Aspartic acid is also one of the amino acids found in mammals synthesised from oxaloacetic acid.

Chemical Structure of Aspartic Acid

3D Structure of Aspartic Acid

Let us look at some of the physical properties of Aspartic acid:

1. The density of Aspartic acid is 1.7 g/cm3.
2. The IUPAC name of Aspartic acid is (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid.
3. The molecular weight of Aspartic acid is 133.103 g/mol-1.
4. It is a colourless crystalline powder which is soluble in water.
5. It has no odour.
6. Aspartic acid’s boiling point is 324 oC or 615 oF and the melting point is 270 oC or 518 oF.
7. It is acidic, and the acidity of Aspartic acid is 1.99 for α-carboxyl, 3.90 for side-chain and 9.90 for amino.
8. The magnetic susceptibility of Aspartic acid is -6.42.10-6 cm3/mol.
9. Aspartic acid has a negative charge and acts as a crucial player in synthesising other amino acids.

Aspartic acid finds its use in many fields. Let us look at some of them:

1. Aspartic acid is widely used in medicines.
2. Aspartic acid is used to manufacture various types of biodegradable superabsorbent polymers, which is seeing tremendous demand in the market.
3. Polyaspartic acid, which is formed because of polymerisation of Aspartic acid is the best biodegradable substitute for polyacrylate.
4. Aspartic acid is used to manufacture artificial sweeteners of low calorie, which diabetic people can use.
5. Aspartic acid is used in the manufacture of resins and corrosion inhibitors. 
6. Aspartic acid plays a crucial role in the fertiliser manufacturing industry as it is a key product in improving the soil’s nitrogen intake and water retention strength.

Aspartic acid, along with other amino acids, is described in detail along with their features, characteristics, and their reactions with other substances. You can even find a few details regarding Aspartic acid mentioned in the chapter ‘Biomolecules’. 

1. What are the essential and non-essential amino acids? Give examples.

Answer: Amino acids are highly essential for our healthy body and proper growth of our body parts. There is a slight difference between essential and non-essential amino acids. The α-amino acids which are synthesised by our body are called non-essential amino acids, whereas the α-amino acids which are not synthesised by our body are called essential amino acids.

Examples- Essential amino acids- Phenylalanine and Valine, Non-essential amino acids- Aspartic acids and Glycine.

2. How do you explain the amphoteric behaviour of amino acids?

Answer: The amino acids contain both the acidic and basic group in the same molecule. The acidic being the carboxyl group and the basic being the amino group. When they are in a liquid state, they neutralise each other. The amino group accepts the proton, which is lost by the carboxyl group. This leads to the formation of zwitterion. This zwitterion forms an amino acid which displays amphoteric behaviour when they react with any acids or bases.

3. A solution turns red litmus blue. What is the pH of the solution?

(a) 4 (b) 5 (c) 10 (d) 1

Answer:(c)

Q: What is the composition of Aspartic acid?

Q: What is the IUPAC name of Aspartic acid?

Q: What is the boiling and melting point of Aspartic acid?

Q: What are some of the uses of Aspartic acid?

Q: What kind of amino acids are synthesised in human bodies?