CHEM 120 Week 2 Discussion on Atomic Structure and Morphine

CHEM 120 Week 2 Discussion on Atomic Structure and Morphine

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Chamberlain University

CHEM-120 Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry

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CHEM120 – Week 2 Discussion: Atomic Structure

Morphine: Structure and Role in Medicine

One of the most significant compounds utilized in both medical and scientific contexts is morphine, which has the chemical formula C₁₇H₁₉NO₃. Widely recognized for its potent analgesic properties, morphine is primarily used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It functions by interacting with receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception and emotional response to pain stimuli. The compound is classified as an opioid analgesic and is known to modify the nervous system’s response by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Morphine can be administered in several forms, including solid tablets or capsules, and as a liquid solution via intravenous injection. Chemically, morphine is categorized as a natural opiate alkaloid, which means it is extracted from the opium poppy plant and falls under the classification of organic compounds due to its carbon-containing structure. Although naturally derived, it may be further processed into semi-synthetic derivatives, enhancing its therapeutic application while preserving its organic base (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020).

Types of Chemical Compounds

Comparison of Ionic, Covalent, and Polyatomic Compounds

The table below outlines the differences among ionic, covalent, and polyatomic compounds:

Ionic compounds are typically formed through the electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal cations and negatively charged nonmetal anions, resulting in crystalline solids with high melting points. In contrast, covalent compounds arise when nonmetals share electrons, producing molecules with lower melting and boiling points and often existing as gases or liquids at room temperature.

Polyatomic ions are unique in that they are composed of multiple atoms covalently bonded, yet collectively carry a net positive or negative charge. These ions often participate in the formation of salts and other compounds by bonding with ions of opposite charge.

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5288826, Morphine. Retrieved September 9, 2020, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Morphine

CHEM 120 Week 2 Discussion on Atomic Structure and Morphine