Question

Write the formula for ibuprofen: 13 carbons, 18 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens. What are the common uses of ibuprofen?

Short answer

Ibuprofen is \( C_{13}H_{18}O_2 \). It's commonly used for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory purposes.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Chemical Formula

The chemical formula is a way to represent the elements and the number of each element in a compound. Here, we need to represent ibuprofen using the number of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms given.

Writing the Chemical Formula

To write the chemical formula for ibuprofen, list the elements followed by their respective number of atoms as subscripts. There are 13 carbon atoms, 18 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms in ibuprofen. Thus, the chemical formula is written as \( C_{13}H_{18}O_2 \).

Identifying Common Uses of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is commonly used as a medication to reduce fever, relieve pain such as headaches, toothaches, and body pain, and is also used to reduce inflammation from conditions like arthritis.

Key concepts

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a widely used medication in the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is primarily employed to manage pain and inflammation in the body. People often take ibuprofen for relief from various discomforts, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Toothaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Muscle aches or sprains
• Arthritis-related inflammation
• Fever reduction

Its versatility in treating different aches and pains makes it a household staple. However, as with any medication, it's important to adhere to recommended dosages to minimize any potential side effects, such as stomach upset or increased risk of cardiovascular issues with prolonged use.
Understanding the chemical structure of ibuprofen is crucial to pharmaceutical development and ensuring safety and efficacy in its therapeutic applications. Its formula, composed of 13 carbon, 18 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms, reflects the complexity of this compound.

Chemical Compounds

Chemical compounds are substances formed when two or more elements combine in fixed ratios. They are held together by chemical bonds such as ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds, depending on the elements involved. In the case of ibuprofen, it is an organic compound that forms through covalent bonding. This means its atoms share electrons, creating a stable structure.
Each chemical compound has a unique chemical formula that reflects the exact number and types of atoms present. As demonstrated by ibuprofen's formula \( C_{13}H_{18}O_2 \), understanding these formulas allows chemists to identify the composition and predict the physical and chemical properties of the compound. This specific arrangement of atoms also determines the compound's potential reactivity and interaction with other substances.
In pharmaceutical chemistry, recognizing these chemical structures aids in designing drugs that meet therapeutic needs efficiently and safely.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Pharmaceutical chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the creation and development of chemical compounds for use as drugs. It combines principles of organic chemistry, pharmacology, and biochemistry to ensure medications like ibuprofen meet safety and effectiveness standards before reaching consumers.
This field encompasses several key processes, such as:

• Synthesis of new chemical entities
• Analysis and optimization of drug compounds
• Assessment of drug stability and longevity
• Investigation of interactions within biological systems

For ibuprofen, pharmaceutical chemists were involved in designing a compound that interacts with specific enzymes (like cyclooxygenase) to reduce inflammation and pain. They ensure each drug is produced with care, focusing on its bioavailability and minimization of side effects.
By understanding the challenges of pharmaceutical development, chemists can repeatedly improve existing medications and innovate new ones to address emerging medical needs.