What are the molecular weights of the following pharmaceuticals? (c) C16H16ClNO2S (clopidogrel, inhibits blood clots)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of clopidogrel: \( \text{C}_{16}\text{H}_{16}\text{ClNO}_{2}\text{S} \).
2. Determine the atomic weights of each element from the periodic table: Carbon (C) = 12.01 g/mol, Hydrogen (H) = 1.01 g/mol, Chlorine (Cl) = 35.45 g/mol, Nitrogen (N) = 14.01 g/mol, Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol, Sulfur (S) = 32.07 g/mol.
3. Calculate the total weight contributed by each element: \( 16 \times 12.01 \) for Carbon, \( 16 \times 1.01 \) for Hydrogen, \( 1 \times 35.45 \) for Chlorine, \( 1 \times 14.01 \) for Nitrogen, \( 2 \times 16.00 \) for Oxygen, \( 1 \times 32.07 \) for Sulfur.
4. Add the total weights of all elements to find the molecular weight of clopidogrel.
5. Ensure all calculations are correct and sum up to get the final molecular weight.

Key Concepts

Molecular Weight Calculation

Molecular weight, or molar mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. To calculate it, you multiply the number of each type of atom by its atomic weight (from the periodic table) and then sum these values. For example, in C16H16ClNO2S, you would calculate the contributions from carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

A chemical formula provides information about the types and numbers of atoms in a molecule. In the formula C16H16ClNO2S, 'C' represents carbon, 'H' represents hydrogen, 'Cl' is chlorine, 'N' is nitrogen, 'O' is oxygen, and 'S' is sulfur. The subscripts indicate how many of each atom are present, which is essential for determining the molecular weight.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Pharmaceutical chemistry involves the study of the chemical properties and structures of drugs. Understanding the molecular weight of a pharmaceutical compound, like clopidogrel, is crucial for its formulation, dosage, and efficacy. It also plays a role in pharmacokinetics, which examines how the drug behaves in the body, including absorption and distribution.