Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry 5 Flashcards
Which elements are included in the boron group (group 13)?
Boron Aluminium Gallium Indium Thallium
What is the structure of elements in the boron group?
3 electrons in their outer energy levels (= 3 valence electrons
Boron and aluminium = oxidation number of +3
What is an amphoteric compound?
A substance which can react either as an acid or a base
Describe how the boron group acts?
All are amphoteric compounds
Boron is considered a metalloid
The rest are so-called poor metals
What is boric acid?
Contain boron
Antiseptic
Can be used as an eye wash, acne treatment, athlete’s foot prevention
How does boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) work?
Enriched 10B compounds are selectively taken up by cancer tissues
Patients treated with a beam of low-energy neutrons (low-neutron radiation dose)
There is a nuclear reaction between enriched 10B and neutrons
This produces a heavy ion radiation which bombards the tumour, from inside the tumour cells
How does aluminium aid in water purification?
Settling or sedimentation of suspended matter in water is accelerated by adding lime (CaO) and Al2(SO4)
Lime makes water slightly basic = precipitates added aluminium as Al(OH)3 (solid)
As the gelatinous Al(OH)3 slowly settles, it carries with it suspended solids, colloidal material and most of the bacteria
What happens in the body when the concentration of Al3+ is high?
Bones act as a sink, taking up the Al3+ and releasing it slowly over a long period
How does the body avoid absorbing aluminium?
Minimal amount of aluminium taken up from the gut and kidneys - quickly excreted
Brain is vulnerable to aluminium so the BBB prevents it from readily entering
How may accumulation of aluminium occur in the body?
IV administration - bypasses natural barriers to absorption
Ability of kidneys to excrete Al3+ is impaired
Why are drugs containing aluminium prescribed to those with end stage renal failure?
Aluminium acts as phosphate binders in patients with ESRF as they often have hyperphosphataemia
What is an adjuvant?
An agent or mixture of agents which possesses the ability to bind to a specific antigen
e.g.Al2O3
How are adjuvants useful?
Immunisation vaccines containing adjuvants are more effective than those without
How do adjuvants work?
Adjuvants can absorb many antigenic molecules over a wide surface area, therefore enhancing the interaction of immune cells with the presenting antigens and stimulating an immune response
List 3 uses of aluminium
Antacids
Antiperspirant
Adjuvants
