Table of Contents
Introduction to Heterocyclic Compound ; Derivatives of Pyrrole Furan and Thiophene ;
Heterocycles with Nitrogen Atoms
A heterocyclic compound is a molecule containing at least one ring of atoms that are not all carbon. The simplest heterocyclic compound is methane, which contains one ring (of four atoms) made up of carbon and hydrogen.
Heterocycles with nitrogen atoms are particularly important in medicinal chemistry. Many drugs, including antibiotics, are based on heterocycles.
Derivatives of pyrrole, furan, and thiophene are all heterocycles with nitrogen atoms. Pyrrole is a five-membered ring with one nitrogen atom. Furan is a four-membered ring with one nitrogen atom. Thiophene is a five-membered ring with two nitrogen atoms.
Natural Occurrence of Such Heterocyclic Compounds
Heterocyclic compounds are found in nature, and are often produced by plants. One common example is nicotine, which is found in tobacco plants. Many other heterocyclic compounds are found in other plants, including medicinal plants.
Natural Occurrence of Indole Derivatives
Indole derivatives are a family of biologically active molecules that are found in many plants and animals. They are produced by a variety of biochemical pathways, including the oxidation of certain amino acids and the degradation of certain proteins. The most common indole derivatives are serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan. These molecules play important roles in many biological processes, including the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite.
