Ibuprofen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Its chemical structure is crucial for understanding how it works in the body.
The molecular formula for ibuprofen is C13H18O2, and its structure can be depicted in two main forms: the condensed structural formula and the 2D skeletal structure.
1. **Condensed Structural Formula**: This representation shows the arrangement of atoms in a linear format. For ibuprofen, it is represented as:
CH₃
|
CH₃-CH-COOH
|
C₆H₅
2. **2D Skeletal Structure**: In this format, the carbon atoms are represented by vertices and ends of lines, while functional groups such as the carboxylic acid are shown explicitly. The skeletal structure of ibuprofen looks like this:
O
||
CH₃-C-COOH
|
C₆H₅
In summary, ibuprofen consists of a propionic acid component (the -COOH group) and a phenyl ring, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. Understanding its chemical structure aids in comprehending how ibuprofen interacts with biological systems.