PHENYLETHYLBARBITURIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Phenylethylbarbituric acid, also known by its chemical name Barbital, is a synthetic compound that belongs to the class of barbiturates. It is a derivative of barbituric acid, which is a central core structure shared by all barbiturates.
Phenylethylbarbituric acid is characterized by the presence of a phenyl group and an ethyl group attached to the barbituric acid core. This chemical modification results in altered pharmacological properties compared to other barbiturates.
As a sedative-hypnotic drug, phenylethylbarbituric acid exerts its effects by depressing the central nervous system. It acts on the GABA receptors in the brain, enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This results in the reduction of brain activity, leading to sedation, relaxation, and potentially even inducing sleep.
Phenylethylbarbituric acid has been historically used in medicine as a hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and anesthetic agent. However, due to its potential for dependence, abuse, and overdose, its use as a therapeutic drug has declined over the years. Today, it is more commonly encountered as a reference standard or a research chemical.
Overall, phenylethylbarbituric acid is a synthetic compound belonging to the barbiturate class, possessing sedative-hypnotic properties. Its chemical structure comprises a phenyl group and an ethyl group attached to the barbituric acid core, and its pharmacological effects are mediated through GABA receptors in the brain.
Common Misspellings for PHENYLETHYLBARBITURIC ACID
- ohenylethylbarbituric acid
- lhenylethylbarbituric acid
- -henylethylbarbituric acid
- 0henylethylbarbituric acid
- pgenylethylbarbituric acid
- pbenylethylbarbituric acid
- pnenylethylbarbituric acid
- pjenylethylbarbituric acid
- puenylethylbarbituric acid
- pyenylethylbarbituric acid
- phwnylethylbarbituric acid
- phsnylethylbarbituric acid
- phdnylethylbarbituric acid
- phrnylethylbarbituric acid
- ph4nylethylbarbituric acid
- ph3nylethylbarbituric acid
- phebylethylbarbituric acid
- phemylethylbarbituric acid
- phejylethylbarbituric acid
- phehylethylbarbituric acid
Etymology of PHENYLETHYLBARBITURIC ACID
The word "Phenylethylbarbituric Acid" can be broken down into several components:
1. Phenyl: Derived from the Greek word "phaino" meaning to show or to appear. It refers to the benzene ring structure attached to the compound.
2. Ethyl: Derived from the Middle English "ethyl", which is a direct borrowing from the French "ethyle". It refers to the ethyl group (-C2H5) attached to the compound.
3. Barbituric acid: This compound was named after the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer who first synthesized it in 1864. It is derived from the terms "barbiturate" and "uric acid". "Barbiturate" refers to the class of sedative drugs that share a similar chemical structure. The term "uric acid" refers to a compound found in urine.
