Benzylisoquinoline

Benzylisoquinoline (pronunciation: ben-zil-iso-kwin-o-lin) is a type of organic compound that is commonly found in a variety of plant species. It serves as the chemical backbone for a number of alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, and papaverine.

Etymology

The term "Benzylisoquinoline" is derived from the names of its structural components: the benzyl group and the isoquinoline group. The prefix "benzyl" is derived from "benzene", a basic unit in organic chemistry, and "isoquinoline" is a type of nitrogen-containing heterocycle.

Chemical Structure

Benzylisoquinoline is composed of a benzyl group attached to an isoquinoline group. The benzyl group consists of a phenyl group attached to a methane molecule, while the isoquinoline group is a heterocyclic compound that contains a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring.

Related Compounds

Benzylisoquinoline is the structural backbone for a number of important alkaloids. These include:

Morphine: A potent opiate used in the medical field for its analgesic properties.
Codeine: A less potent opiate used as a cough suppressant and analgesic.
Papaverine: A non-narcotic alkaloid used as a smooth muscle relaxant.

Applications

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids have a wide range of applications in the medical field due to their diverse pharmacological properties. They are used as analgesics, antitussives, and muscle relaxants, among other uses.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Benzylisoquinoline
Wikipedia's article - Benzylisoquinoline

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Benzylisoquinoline