Question

The most basic group present in amoxycillin is (Amoxycillin) (A) \(\mathrm{N}\) (B) \(\mathrm{N}\) (C) \(\stackrel{4}{\mathrm{~S}}\) (D) \(\mathrm{OH}\)

Short answer

The most basic group present in Amoxicillin is the Amino group (-NH2), which can easily accept a proton due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. Hence, the correct answer is (A) -NH2.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the structure of Amoxicillin

To analyze the exercise, we need to understand the chemical structure of Amoxicillin. Here is the chemical structure of Amoxicillin:  Now, we can find the functional groups present in the structure.

Identifying the functional groups in the structure

There are several functional groups present in Amoxicillin's structure: 1. Amino group (-NH2) 2. Carboxyl group (-COOH) 3. Thiol group (-SH) 4. Hydroxyl group(-OH) We can now compare these groups with the given options: (A) -NH2 (B) -NH2 (C) -SH (where S has a valency of 4) (D) -OH

Selecting the most basic group in Amoxicillin

Based on the options provided and the functional groups present in Amoxicillin's structure, we can select the most basic group. A basic group is a group that can accept a proton (H+). In this case, the Amino group(-NH2) is the most basic group present in Amoxicillin since it can easily accept a proton due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. Therefore, the correct answer is: (A) -NH2

Key concepts

Amino Group

The amino group is a functional group widely recognized by its formula \( -NH_2 \). It is composed of a nitrogen atom attached to two hydrogen atoms and is a common feature in many organic compounds, particularly in the molecules of amino acids and amoxicillin.

Due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, the amino group has the ability to act as a base. It can readily accept a proton \( (H^+) \) which makes it basic in nature. When discussing amoxicillin, the amino groups are crucial for its antibacterial properties and play a major role in its mechanism of action by enabling the drug to engage with bacterial enzymatic systems. To visualize its basicity, think of the amino group like a little magnet that can attract and hold onto a positively charged hydrogen ion.

Carboxyl Group

The carboxyl group is another functional group expressed as \( -COOH \) and is essential in the structure of organic acids. It consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH).

The presence of this polar and reactive group is characteristic of fatty acids and amino acids. In the case of amoxicillin, the carboxyl group contributes to the compound's acidity and is involved in the drug's solubility and reactivity. When the carboxyl group loses a hydrogen ion, it becomes negatively charged (\( -COO^- \)), which influences how the molecule interacts with its environment, particularly with biological systems.

Thiol Group

A thiol group, with the formula \( -SH \) and also known as a sulfhydryl group, consists of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. Contrast to hydroxyl and amino groups, the thiol group is known for forming strong disulfide bonds because sulfur can form more stable and diverse bonding types than oxygen.

While not as common as the amino and carboxyl groups in biologically active molecules, the thiol group's unique bonding characteristics make it essential for the structural stability of proteins. In drugs like amoxicillin, the presence of a thiol group does not contribute directly to basicity but can influence the drug's stability and reactivity.

Basicity in Organic Compounds

Basicity in organic chemistry refers to the ability of a compound to accept protons. This trait is particularly important when dealing with the pharmacodynamics of drugs like amoxicillin. A compound's basicity is not only determined by the presence of basic functional groups like the amino group but also by the overall structure and electronic distribution within the molecule.

To put it simply, if you consider the molecule as a classroom, the basic groups are like students with their hands raised, ready to answer questions - in this analogy, they're ready to accept protons. Amoxicillin has such 'students' in the form of amino groups that make it an effective antibacterial agent by allowing it to interact with various components within bacterial cells.