SolutionsMedicine and Health
1. Functional groups of drugs
Identify the main functional group in: a) acetylsalicylic acid (besides the acid); b) paracetamol; c) ibuprofen; d) penicillin (the four-membered ring).
- Ester (acetate of the phenol).
- Amide (as well as a phenol).
- Carboxylic acid.
- Cyclic amide (β-lactam).
2. Amine salts
Why are many drugs that are amines sold as hydrochlorides?
Because protonating the amine with HCl forms an ionic ammonium salt, much more soluble in water than the free amine and often more stable. It is therefore absorbed and dosed more easily.
3. Enantiomers
Why can the two enantiomers of a chiral drug have different effects on the body?
Because their targets (enzymes and receptors) are chiral as well: only one of the enantiomers fits the binding site well, just as only the right hand fits properly into the right glove.