Acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic that reduces pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system. Its structure features a phenolic hydroxyl group and an amide functionality, making it a simple yet … Read more
Lidocaine is a widely used local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing nerve signal transmission. Its structure contains both an aromatic amide and a tertiary amine side chain, making it an excellent example of … Read more
Diazepam (Valium) is a widely used benzodiazepine medication prescribed for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and insomnia. Its structure features a fused benzodiazepine ring system, making it an excellent example of how heterocycles are constructed through sequential functional-group transformations. In … Read more
Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in brands such as Advil, is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. It is one of the most common … Read more
Prozac (Fluoxetine) is a widely used antidepressant belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It increases serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reabsorption, which helps improve mood and treat depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD. … Read more
In the previous post, we talked about the ortho-, meta-, and para-directors in electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS). Substituents on a benzene ring influence both the reactivity of the ring and the position where new groups enter. Activating groups (such as … Read more
We have seen earlier that in electrophilic aromatic substitutions, it is the benzene ring that provides the electrons to react with electron-deficient species – electrophiles.Therefore, the more electron density we supply to benzene, the more reactive it becomes in EAS … Read more
This content is for registered users only. Click here to Register! By joining Chemistry Steps, you will gain instant access to the answers and solutions for all the Practice Problems, including over 40 hours of problem-solving videos, Multiple-Choice Quizzes, Puzzles, Reaction … Read more
In the previous few posts, we went over the basics of electrophilic aromatic substitution-halogenation, nitration, and sulfonation. Now, let’s dive into one of the most important EAS reactions discovered in 1877 by Charles Friedel and James Crafts, which allows for … Read more
In the previous post, we talked about Friedel-Crafts alkylation – a classic reaction for attaching alkyl groups to benzene rings. A similar reaction is used for adding an acyl group to the aromatic ring, thus making a ketone. This is … Read more
