Name
Chamberlain University
CHEM-120 Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry
Prof. Name
Date
There are countless molecules applied in healthcare, industry, and natural sources. For this discussion, I have chosen morphine (C17H19NO3). Morphine is a widely recognized narcotic used for the relief and treatment of severe pain. The body’s response to morphine occurs in the brain, where the drug alters the way the body perceives and reacts to pain.
Morphine is available in multiple forms, including solid pills and liquid formulations administered intravenously (IV). From a chemical perspective, morphine is classified as an opiate alkaloid, meaning it is semi-synthetic, derived from natural substances. This property places morphine in the class of organic compounds (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020).
Compounds can be broadly categorized into ionic compounds, covalent compounds, and polyatomic ions. Each type differs in bonding, structure, and examples.
Ionic compounds are formed when one element is a metal and the other is a nonmetal. This results in the transfer of electrons from the metal to the nonmetal, creating oppositely charged ions.
| Compound | Name |
|---|---|
| NaCl | Sodium chloride |
| MgO | Magnesium oxide |
Covalent compounds are formed when two or more nonmetal atoms bond together by sharing valence electrons. These electrons are located on the outermost shell of the atoms.
| Compound | Name |
|---|---|
| NH3 | Ammonia |
| H2O | Water |
Polyatomic ions consist of more than one atom that is covalently bonded, forming a charged unit. These ions often bond with other elements to form stable compounds.
| Compound | Name |
|---|---|
| NaHCO3 | Sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking powder) |
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5288826, Morphine. Retrieved September 9, 2020, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Morphine
