Basics of Chemistry

It’s all about the electrons!

1
Topics to be covered

• Atomic structure
• Chemical bonds
• Binding to metals & non-metals
• Potency vs. bioavailability

2
Atomic structure

• In the center (the nucleus) of the atom is a

cluster of protons (+ve charge) and neutrons
(neutral).
• “In orbit” around the nucleus are electrons
(-ve charge).

3
Atomic structure

The electron “orbit’ around the nucleus is similar

to that of moons around a planet, except

a) The force holding the electrons in place is

electromagnetic, not gravitational

b) Not all the orbits are circular.

4
Molecular structure

• The electrons in atoms can form bonds

between the nuclei, forming molecules.

• It takes two electrons to form one bond.

5
Sharing or hoarding electrons?

In a non-polar covalent bond the

electrons hold the atoms together
similar to using rubber bands.

6
Sharing or hoarding electrons?
Ionic

In an ionic bond the attraction between electron

rich (-ve) and electron deficient (+ve) is similar to
the north and south poles of two magnets.

7
Sharing or hoarding electrons?

Ionic

There is a wide range of

polarized binding lying
between the extremes of
non-polar covalent and ionic.

8
Binding to metals and non-metals
• Metals often have a positive charge and
want to receive electrons.
• Non-metals often have a negative charge
and want to give electrons.
• Opposites attract.

9
Binding to metals and non-metals

←e-

Metal Acid

10
Binding to metals and non-metals
• Acids are non-metals; they will bind to
metals to form the metal salts.
− Aspartic acid binds to zinc to form zinc aspartate.

− Citric acid binds to calcium to form calcium

citrate.

• Selenium and phosphorus are not metals;

acids will not bind to Se or P.

11
Binding in amino acid chelates
• The nitrogen in the amine group shares two of
its electrons with the metal atom.
• The oxygen in the carboxyl group gives one
electron to the metal. The metal gives one
back and they share the two.
• These two bonds between the amino acid and
the metal give the chelate its stability.

12
Potency vs. bioavailability
• Potency is simply the amount of nutrient
present. This is a chemical measurement.
• Bioavailability is a measure of the uptake by
the body. This is a biological measurement.
• Copper sulfate (25% Cu) has a greater potency
than Copper AAC (15% Cu) but the Cu AAC has
a higher bioavailability. Why is this?

13
Summary
• Chemical binding is determined by the electron
configuration.
• Opposites attract.

• The more bonds, the more stable the molecule.

Hence the chelate effect.
• Next month – product quality; reacted and non-
reacted products.

14