The molar mass of phenacetin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements: hydrogen (H), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). The molecular formula for phenacetin, C10H13NO2, indicates 10 carbon atoms, 13 hydrogen atoms, 1 nitrogen atom, and 2 oxygen atoms. Using the periodic table, we find the atomic masses of each element and multiply them by their respective number of atoms: (10 x 12.01 g/mol for C) + (13 x 1.01 g/mol for H) + (1 x 14.01 g/mol for N) + (2 x 16.00 g/mol for O) = 183.22 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of phenacetin is 183.22 g/mol.
Phenacetin: An Overview
Ahem, ahem! Gather ’round, folks, for a tale about a once-celebrated yet now-notorious substance: Phenacetin. Imagine it as the Jekyll and Hyde of the pharmaceutical world!
This chemical wonder was born in the late 1800s, a time when headaches and fevers were as common as the common cold. Phenacetin promised relief, and oh boy, did it deliver! People popped these pills like candy, hailing it as a miracle cure.
But hold your horses, there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Like any good Jekyll and Hyde tale, Phenacetin had its dark side. It turned out that prolonged use could wreak havoc on your kidneys and liver. Yikes!
So, what’s the scoop on this chemical conundrum? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and unravel the mysteries of Phenacetin.
Chemical Structure and Composition of Phenacetin: A Peek into Its Molecular Makeup
Phenacetin, a once-popular pain reliever, boasts a fascinating chemical structure that holds the key to its therapeutic effects and potential pitfalls. Its molecular formula, a string of letters and numbers (C10H13NO2), reveals its atomic composition and the building blocks that make it up.
Under the microscope, phenacetin’s chemical structure resembles a tangled web of atoms, much like a spider’s silk. It features a central benzene ring, which is a six-membered ring of carbon atoms. This ring is adorned with three groups: an acetamido group (containing a carbon atom, two oxygen atoms, and a nitrogen atom), a para-ethoxy group (consisting of an ethyl group attached to an oxygen atom), and a hydrogen atom.
Phenacetin’s classification as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) stems from its molecular structure. NSAIDs are a group of drugs that share a common mechanism of action: they inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which plays a role in the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. By blocking this enzyme, phenacetin reduces pain, swelling, and fever.
Molar Mass and Elemental Composition: Unveiling the Building Blocks of Phenacetin
When it comes to understanding the nature of any substance, knowing its molar mass and elemental composition is like having a blueprint to its very core. So, let’s dive right into the fascinating world of Phenacetin and unravel its molecular secrets!
The molar mass of a compound tells us how heavy or light its molecules are. To calculate Phenacetin’s molar mass, we simply add up the atomic masses of all the atoms in its molecular formula (C₁₀H₁₃NO₂). And voila! We get a value of 181.21 g/mol.
Now, let’s break down Phenacetin into its elemental components. Carbon (C) forms the backbone of its structure, making up about 65% of its mass. Hydrogen (H) atoms are the most abundant, accounting for about 7% of its weight. Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) also play crucial roles, making up about 20% and 8% of its composition, respectively.
Simply put, Phenacetin resembles a molecular puzzle, with each element contributing weight and character to its overall identity. Knowing its molar mass and elemental composition not only gives us a deeper understanding of its physical properties but also provides valuable insights into its potential interactions and uses.
Phenacetin: An Overview – Properties and Applications
Phenacetin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a fascinating history, was once widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Its physical and chemical properties, coupled with its pharmacological effects, make it an intriguing compound.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
Phenacetin is a white, crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water and more soluble in organic solvents. Its stability under normal storage conditions makes it a convenient substance to handle.
Pharmacological Effects:
Phenacetin’s analgesic properties reduce pain, while its antipyretic effects lower fever. It acts by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation. Phenacetin’s anti-inflammatory effects were later found to be less pronounced than those of other NSAIDs.
Historical Use:
In the early 20th century, Phenacetin gained popularity as an over-the-counter painkiller. It was often combined with other drugs, such as aspirin and caffeine, to enhance its effectiveness. However, concerns over its long-term safety led to its withdrawal from the market in many countries.
Today, Phenacetin is primarily used in research and development. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for studying pain mechanisms and drug metabolism. It also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other pharmaceuticals.
Phenacetin: Synthesis and Production
In the realm of chemistry, where molecules dance and reactions unfold, the synthesis of Phenacetin is a tale of ingenuity and industrial prowess. Its journey from raw materials to a widely used drug is a testament to human innovation.
The Alchemist’s Quest:
The story begins with a chemist’s quest to create a wonder drug—one that could alleviate pain and fever. Through a series of experiments, they stumbled upon Phenacetin, a molecule with remarkable therapeutic properties.
From Lab to Factory:
With the secret formula in hand, chemists embarked on the task of producing Phenacetin on a grand scale. They devised ingenious methods, starting with acetophenetidin and using a series of reactions to transform it into the desired molecule.
The Industrial Symphony:
In factories, the production of Phenacetin became a rhythmic symphony of raw materials, machines, and human expertise. Acetophenetidin flowed into reactors, where it mingled with other chemicals like nitrous acid and phenol. The reactions that followed were like a carefully orchestrated dance, each step bringing the end goal closer.
A Versatile Intermediate:
Beyond its own medicinal value, Phenacetin played a crucial role in the manufacture of other drugs. It served as an intermediate, a stepping stone in the synthesis of compounds like acetaminophen, a safer and more widely used pain reliever.
Toxicity and Safety Concerns of Phenacetin
Like a high-stakes game of Jenga, using Phenacetin came with its fair share of risks. Its potential side effects were like a ticking time bomb, ready to wreak havoc on your kidneys, liver, and even your blood.
Kidney Woes
Phenacetin had a nasty habit of hanging out in your kidneys, forming crystals that could lead to serious damage. It was like giving your kidneys a nasty case of kidney stones, only worse.
Liver Trouble
Your liver, the valiant protector of your body, also had to deal with the wrath of Phenacetin. It could cause inflammation, damage, and even lead to liver failure. Imagine your liver as a brave knight, fighting off a vicious dragon that threatened to destroy its kingdom.
Blood Disorders
The blood was not spared either. Phenacetin could mess with your bone marrow, leading to a drop in red blood cell production and anemia. It’s like robbing your body of its tiny soldiers, leaving you feeling weak and drained.
The Final Blow
As the risks mounted, Phenacetin’s reign came to an end. It was withdrawn from the market, replaced by safer alternatives. It was like a fallen king, dethroned by the weight of its own toxicity.
Lessons Learned
The story of Phenacetin serves as a cautionary tale. Even seemingly harmless substances can harbor hidden dangers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential risks of medications before popping them like candy.
Phenacetin: A History of Pain Relief and the Pursuit of Safer Medications
In the annals of medicine, Phenacetin stands as a poignant tale of both remarkable efficacy and unforeseen risks. Once hailed as a wonder drug for its pain-relieving properties, Phenacetin’s story later took a tragic turn, leading to its eventual withdrawal from the market.
Current Regulatory Status and Research Today
Despite its checkered past, Phenacetin continues to hold a place in the annals of medical science. Today, it remains banned for use as a pharmaceutical product due to its known toxicity. However, its role as a historical artifact has made it a valuable subject for research.
Scientists are actively studying Phenacetin’s molecular structure and pharmacological effects, seeking to understand its mechanisms of action and identify potential applications for its derivatives. By unraveling the secrets of this enigmatic molecule, researchers aim to develop safer and more effective pain relievers that can alleviate suffering without the risks posed by Phenacetin.
Future Prospects for Phenacetin and Analogous Compounds
While Phenacetin itself may no longer be used clinically, its legacy continues to inspire the development of new medications. Analogous compounds, inspired by Phenacetin’s chemical structure and pharmacological properties, are actively investigated as potential treatments for a wide range of conditions.
These compounds may offer the promise of pain relief without the associated risks of Phenacetin. By harnessing the knowledge gained from Phenacetin’s history, scientists are paving the way for a future where pain management is safer and more effective than ever before.
Phenacetin’s journey from wonder drug to cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the constant pursuit of safer and more effective medical treatments. By understanding the triumphs and failures of the past, we can forge ahead, guided by the lessons learned to alleviate pain and improve human health.
