Adamantane
Adamantane
Adamantane (pronunciation: /ædəˈmænteɪn/) is a colorless, crystalline chemical compound with a camphor-like odor. With the formula C10H16, it is the simplest diamondoid.
Etymology
The name "adamantane" is derived from the Greek word "adamas", meaning "invincible" or "unconquerable". The suffix "-ane" is from the IUPAC nomenclature for hydrocarbons, indicating a saturated carbon-hydrogen compound.
Structure and Properties
Adamantane is a member of the diamondoid family, which refers to a class of hydrocarbons whose carbon atoms are arranged in a pattern similar to the structure of diamond. It is a cage-like structure composed of three cyclohexane rings arranged in the "armchair" conformation.
Synthesis
Adamantane can be synthesized from a variety of precursors, including dicyclopentadiene and norbornadiene, through a process known as Diels-Alder reaction.
Uses
Adamantane is used in the preparation of various pharmaceuticals, including amantadine, rimantadine, and memantine. These drugs are used for the treatment of influenza and Parkinson's disease, and for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Related Compounds
Adamantane is the parent compound for a wide range of derivatives, which are collectively referred to as adamantanes. These include adamantane derivatives such as 1-adamantanol, 2-adamantanone, and adamantylamine.
See Also
- Diamondoid
- Hydrocarbon
- Cyclohexane
- Dicyclopentadiene
- Norbornadiene
- Diels-Alder reaction
- Amantadine
- Rimantadine
- Memantine
- Influenza
- Parkinson's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Adamantanes
- Adamantane derivatives
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