Synthesis

Question 0

Molecules synthetically prepared in the lab often contain…

Answer 0

A mixture of optical isomers

Question 1

The synthesis of pharmaceuticals often requires the production of…

Answer 1

A single optical isomer

Question 2

Molecules produced by enzymes are often present as….

Answer 2

One optical isomer only

Question 3

What are the advantages to synthesising a pharmaceutical that is a single optical isomer?

Answer 3

Reduces possible side effects

Improves pharmacological activity

Question 4

What are the disadvantages to synthesising a pharmaceutical that is a single optical isomer?

Answer 4

It is more expensive due to the difficulty in separating the optical isomers

Question 5

How can the modern synthesis of a pharmaceutical with a single optical isomer be carried out?

Answer 5

Using enzymes or bacteria with promote stereoselectivity
Using chemical chiral synthesis or chiral catalysts
Using natural chiral molecules such as L-amino acids or sugars as starting materials