TASK 2 (M4) The importance of chirality in drug synthesis In 1954, German pharmaceutical company developed a new drug called

thalidomide. In the late 1950s and the early 1960s, doctors prescribed thalidomide to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. It was also used in some cold and flu remedies. The drug was a chiral compound and while one of the stereo isomers had the required therapeutic effect, unfortunately its mirror image led to a number of deformities in developing babies. It is estimated in the USA because the Food and Drug Administration demanded further tests before granting a licence. During these tests, the relationship between thalidomide and birth defects surfaced in Germany.

Chiral drugs at home Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory drug that targets both bone and muscle pain. Ibuprofen controls pain by blocking messages to the brain and reducing swelling or inflammation. Ibuprofen is commonly used to relieve headache, back pain and period pain, and to treat cold flu symptoms and arthritis. The structure of ibuprofen has one chiral carbon, so two optical isomers are possible. One of the optical isomers of ibuprofen relieves pain much more effectively than the other. Fortunately in the body the less active form of ibuprofen is converted to the pharmacologically active isomer, so that the whole dose given to a patient is active. This minimises any possible side effects. Ibuprofen is sold as both its optical isomers.