The amino acid with the highest melting point is likely to be which of the following?

The amino acid with the highest melting point is typically the largest amino acid. The melting point of amino acids is influenced by several factors, including the size of the amino acid, the nature of its side chain, and the presence of charged or polar groups. Larger amino acids generally have more complex structures and larger molecular weights, which can contribute to higher melting points.

The increase in melting point can also be attributed to the stronger intermolecular forces in larger amino acids. Larger amino acids are more likely to engage in various types of interactions, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions, especially if they contain charged groups. This can result in a more stable crystalline form, which has a higher melting point compared to smaller or simpler amino acids.

In contrast, smaller amino acids may not have the same level of intermolecular interactions due to their size and limited side chain diversity, which typically results in lower melting points. Additionally, amino acids with only nonpolar side chains may also possess lower melting points as nonpolar interactions are less favorable compared to the interactions present in larger and more complex amino acids.

Amino acids with only acidic side chains often possess a level of polarity and can form strong ionic bonds, but their melting points can be influenced