L-Dopa—A Representative Organic Molecule

The electron-rich (red) region is concentrated on the electronegative O atom. Both H atoms are electron deficient (blue-green). 

Both electronegative O atoms are electron rich (red) and the central C atom is electron deficient (blue). 

The principles learned in this chapter apply to all organic molecules regardless of size or complexity. For example, we now know a great deal about the structure of L-dopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson s disease described in the chapter opener. 

Some of these concepts are illnstrated in the Lewis strnctnre for L-dopa. As we continue our study of organic chemistry you will see that these fundamental properties about a molecule determine its physical properties and its behavior in chemical reactions. 

Provide the following information about L-dopa. In all cases, label different sites than those identified in the structure shown. 

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