Favorite Organic Molecule!

As a Kinesiology major, past rugby player, and frequent rock climber, I have become quite familiar with acetaminophen. It is my favorite organic molecule because although it has a fairly simple structure, it accomplishes many feats; reduces swelling and inflammation, eases pain (analgesic), soothes aches and fevers (antipyretic), etc. I also favor this molecule because it is used often within the medical field which is where I would like to end up one day!

Acetaminophen was first discovered in the late 19^th century by Harmon Northrop Morse by reduction of p-nitrophenol with tin in glacial acetic acid. The compound, however, was not medically used until the mid 1900’s after Bernard Brodie and Julius Axelrod had advocated its use. Once the drug had been deemed non-toxic (when used responsibly), it went on the market in 1955. Now acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is widely used across the world whether it’s for headaches or joint pain.

Chemical Formula: C8H9NO2

References

"Acetaminophen - New World Encyclopedia." Info:Main Page - New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2013. <http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/acetaminophen#History>.

"Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information." National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2013 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html>.