What molecule am I?
Ibuprofen is a frequently used over-the-counter drug for treating pain, inflammation, and fever. It is a relatively simple molecule that was discovered and developed in the 1950s and 1960s at Boots Pure Drug in Nottingham, UK (now Boots UK in Beeston). The initial British patent on ibuprofen and a long list of similar compounds was awarded to John Nicholson and Stewart Adams of Boots in 1964.
The trivial name ibuprofen comes from fragments of its chemical name, (卤)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid. As the (卤) implies, the article of commerce is racemic. The images show the more biologically active (S)-enantiomer. Ibuprofen is sold under a large number of trade names; Advil and Motrin are the most common in the United States.
In addition to its common uses, ibuprofen has been used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. But it is not without its risks: patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders are cautioned against taking it. Ibuprofen also is contraindicated when individuals consume alcohol or low-dose aspirin.
Ibuprofen hazard information
| GHS classification*: acute toxicity, oral, category 4 | |
| H302鈥擧armful if swallowed聽 |  |
*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.聽.
Ibuprofen fast facts
| CAS Reg. No. | 15687-27-1 |
| Molar mass | 206.28 g/mol |
| Empirical formula | C13H18O2 |
| Appearance | Colorless crystals聽 |
| Melting point | 75鈥�77 潞C |
| Water solubility | 21 mg/L |
MOTW update
Clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam聽were the Molecules of the Week for February 17, 2014, August 25, 2014, and October 15, 2012, respectively. All three are neonicotinoid pesticides, and all three have been found to contribute to the worldwide die-off of honeybees. Use of these pesticides has been gradually restricted during the past several years, but now the European Union is about to . Will the United States follow suit?
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