Textbook Question
Write the balanced chemical equations for the (1) reaction of each of the following amines with water and (2) neutralization with HBr:
b. propylamine
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17. Amines
Amine Reactions
2:54 minutesProblem 81b
Textbook Question
Novocain, a local anesthetic, is the ammonium salt of procaine.
b. Why is procaine hydrochloride used rather than procaine?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the difference between procaine and procaine hydrochloride: Procaine is a weak base, while procaine hydrochloride is its ammonium salt, formed by reacting procaine with hydrochloric acid.
Recognize the solubility difference: Procaine hydrochloride is more water-soluble than procaine because the ammonium salt form is ionic, which allows it to dissolve more readily in aqueous solutions.
Consider the physiological environment: The human body contains a significant amount of water, so a water-soluble form like procaine hydrochloride is more effective for administration and absorption.
Account for stability: Procaine hydrochloride is more chemically stable than procaine in solution, which ensures that the anesthetic remains effective during storage and use.
Conclude the reasoning: Procaine hydrochloride is used instead of procaine because its increased solubility, stability, and compatibility with the body's aqueous environment make it a more practical and effective form for medical applications.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics are medications used to induce a temporary loss of sensation in a specific area of the body. They work by blocking nerve signals in the targeted region, preventing the brain from receiving pain signals. Novocain, or procaine, is a classic example, commonly used in dental procedures to numb the area being treated.
Procaine vs. Procaine Hydrochloride
Procaine is the base form of the anesthetic, while procaine hydrochloride is its hydrochloride salt form. The hydrochloride salt is more soluble in water, which enhances its absorption and effectiveness when injected. This increased solubility allows for a more consistent and reliable anesthetic effect, making procaine hydrochloride the preferred choice in medical applications.
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pH and Solubility
The pH of a solution can significantly affect the solubility and stability of drugs. Procaine hydrochloride, being a salt, is more stable and soluble in acidic environments, which is often the case in biological tissues. This property ensures that the anesthetic can be effectively delivered and utilized in the body, leading to better patient outcomes during procedures.
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