Identify 2 examples of the atoms or groups in the compound tocainide that could be involved in its binding to receptor sites in the body via hydrogen bonding. Give reasons for your conclusions. I have gathered that OH- and NH- bonds are an option, is this correct and if so why are these good? Thanks
Here is the structural formula for tocainide. I don't see an OH group. There an amine group (-NH2) and a secondary amide(Ar-NHOC-R). I don't know anything about binding sites. According to some Internet sites tocainide is sometimes sold as the hydrochloride (meaning that HCl has been added to the amine group to form the salt). http://lysine.pharm.utah.edu/netpharm/netpharm_00/gifs/tocainide.gif
You're correct that the compound tocainide does not contain an OH group. The structural formula you provided indicates the presence of an amine group (-NH2) and a secondary amide group (-NHOC-R). These functional groups can potentially participate in hydrogen bonding interactions.
Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen or oxygen) and is attracted to another electronegative atom nearby. In the case of tocainide, the amine group (-NH2) can act as a hydrogen bond donor, as the hydrogen atom bonded to the nitrogen can form hydrogen bonds with an acceptor atom.
The nitrogen atom in the secondary amide group (-NHOC-R) can act as both a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor. The lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom can form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen bond acceptors, and the hydrogen atom on the nitrogen can form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen bond donors.
Therefore, the amine group and the nitrogen atom in the secondary amide group are potential sites for hydrogen bonding interactions in tocainide. These hydrogen bonding interactions can play a role in the compound's binding to receptor sites in the body, which can affect its pharmacological activity.