Question

Question: Oxytocin, sold under the trade name Pitocin, is a naturally occurring hormone used to stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor. Classify each amide in oxytocin as 1°, 2°, or 3°.

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Amide

The compounds that consist of a carbonyl compound bonded to an amine group (${\mathbf{CONH}}_{\mathbf{2}}$) are called amides.

Classification of amides

Amides are classified as:

• Primary amides : The carbonyl group is connected to a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms $\left(-{\mathrm{CONH}}_2\right)$.
• Secondary amides : The carbonyl group is connected to the nitrogen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and a hydrocarbon $\left(-\mathrm{CONHR}\right)$.
• Tertiary amides : The carbonyl group is connected to the nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrocarbon groups $\left(-{\mathrm{CONRR}}^{\text{'}}\right)$ .

Classification of amides present in oxytocin

The primary, secondary, and tertiary amides are indicated in the image given below.

Oxytocin