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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3bm190

Aspartic acid has values of (-COOH), (side-chain COOH) and (-). Taking pI as the mean of the two pKa values that flank the net-neutral species, pI is

  1. A2.74
  2. B5.74
  3. C6.60
  4. D3.60

Answer: A

With pH rising from low values: cation (+1), then net-neutral species after the first COOH ionises (pKa 1.88), then anion (-1) after the side chain ionises (pKa 3.60). The neutral species is flanked by 1.88 and 3.60, so pI = (1.88 + 3.60)/2 = 2.74. The pKa 9.60 is not involved.
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