Question

Explain why, when the imidazole ring of histidine is protonated, the double-bonded nitrogen is the nitrogen that accepts the proton. (hint: localized electrons are more apt to be protonated than delocalized electrons.)

Answer 1

The important thing to note is the reason why electron react is due to the instability of the electrons. All elements wants to aim the electron configuration of the noble gases. This is the most stable form in which each of the orbitals are sufficiently filled. When it comes to bonding, the order of reactivity is: alkynes > alkenes > alkanes. Alkynes are compounds with triple bonds, alkenes with double bonds and alkanes with single bonds. The single bonds are called saturated hydrocarbons. This is because they have reached stability, so it is quite difficult to react this with reducing or oxidizing agents. Alkynes and alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons. They readily react with reducing and oxidizing agents so as to become saturated, as well. The underlying principle for this is that single bonds contain sigma bonds which is the head-on overlapping of electrons. These is the strongest type of covalent bond. Double and triple bonds contain pi bonds which is the side overlapping of electrons orbitals. Hence, these electrons would be easily separated making it more reactive especially during protonation.