In the compound tocainide I need to identify the two groups of atoms/groups that are linked with its binding to receptor cells in the human body by hydrogen bonding. I have understood the two groups to be alcohol and acid but am stuck on the next part.
Hmmm. What alcohol. I don't see any -OH in the molecule, however that NH2 hanging off the end would be an excellent site for an H to be moved to a receptor. Another suspect site if the NH coming off the ring, that H is very loosely bound to that N.
In order to identify the two groups in tocainide that could potentially form hydrogen bonds with receptor cells in the human body, let's take a closer look at the molecule.
Tocainide is a chemical compound commonly used as an antiarrhythmic medication. The structure of tocainide consists of a cyclic amine (NH2) group attached to a phenyl ring.
To identify the groups that can participate in hydrogen bonding, you need to focus on electronegative atoms such as nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and fluorine (F). These atoms can attract hydrogen (H) atoms and form hydrogen bonds.
In the case of tocainide, there are no specific alcohol (OH) or acid (COOH) groups present in the molecule. However, as you correctly mentioned, the NH2 group in tocainide can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor.
The NH2 group has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen (N) atom, making it an excellent site for hydrogen bonding. This nitrogen can form a hydrogen bond with a hydrogen (H) atom from a receptor cell, allowing the compound to bind effectively.
Additionally, as you mentioned, the NH group coming off the phenyl ring can also potentially form hydrogen bonds since it has a loosely bound hydrogen (H) atom.
So, in summary, the two groups in tocainide that are linked with its binding to receptor cells in the human body by hydrogen bonding are the NH2 group and the NH group attached to the phenyl ring.
Remember, hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is attached to an electronegative atom (such as N) and forms a weak bond with another electronegative atom (such as O or N) in a different molecule or group. This type of bonding is crucial for many biological interactions and processes.