Introduction to Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

This text is designed to be an undergraduate reference textbook for students of chemistry who aim to select degree modules geared towards medicinal chemistry. The first two chapters offer an overview of basic organic chemistry, followed by organic synthesis in Chapter 3, with an emphasis on the importance of synthetic procedures in relation to the chemistry of drug design. In Chapter 4, the book covers foundational aspects of biochemistry and biomedical science to provide a basis for students understanding where and how drugs work on selected targets. Later, the book explains how medicines have been created for selected topics in medicinal chemistry – namely against pathogens, cancer and neurological targets.

Features:

• User-friendly text that deals with key methods in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry
• An overture of drug design against disease targets
• An introduction to the molecular basis of disease and key topics in medicinal chemistry
• Geared toward chemistry undergraduates with an interest in pursuing medicinal chemistry further into their degree
• A complete set of tutorial questions and answers for each chapter

CONTENTS

1. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

2. Reactions of Organic Molecules

3. Organic Synthesis

4. Biochemistry of the Cell and Drug Development

5. Drug Design, Synthesis and Development

6. Pathogens and Immunity

7. Cancer and Chemotherapy

8. Drugs to Keep the Body in Balance

Conclusion