Organic Chemistry
Monie05Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (Chem 102-Honors) Research Assignment
This project is an exercise in utilizing scientific databases and Chemical literature and resources to research a pharmaceutical or a chemical substance of interest to you. For this assignment, you will need to choose a pharmaceutical product or a medicinal agent and research and report on the following:
1. Structure and Basic information
This information should be readily available in multiple sources. Start with Sigma-Aldrich Catalog (http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html), available freely online. Sigma-Aldrich is a chemical retailer and should provide some basic information about the chemical/drug of your choice. Use their site to find the chemical structure and the physical properties. Then identify and name the functional groups and the stereocenters in the molecule.
For the next three sections, you will need to use the Chemistry Subject guide (http://libguides.tri-c.edu/CHEM) to access the online, full text versions of scholarly articles and peer-reviewed journals. As you do the work for this project, keep track of all of your research using a research log. This will be submitted along with your finished project. The objective of the research log is to help you keep track of your sources as you conduct research.
2. Preparation or Synthesis
Organic synthesis is how the molecules are built or constructed via organic reactions. Some pharmaceuticals are prepared via a single reaction while others involve multiple steps. A search of the literature will allow you to find the methods of preparation or synthesis. Describe the chemical reactions, reagents and conditions of each of these reactions. If the chemical or pharmaceutical is obtained from natural sources, describe the source and method of purification.
3. Mechanism of Action and Indications
Mechanism of Action (MOA) is the specific biochemical interaction by which a drug substance produces its biological effect. MOA includes binding to a specific enzyme or receptor, interacting with a …. For example, you learned that aspirin acts by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase which then inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Indications are the medical conditions which the pharmaceutical is used to treat.
4. Side Effects and/or Contraindications
Side effects are any effects of the drug that is secondary to the effect intended, mostly unwanted or undesirable effect. Contraindications are the conditions or the reasons in which the drug should not be used or given.
5. References.