Answer to Question #349302 in General Chemistry for Cass

Question

~ How would you describe MDMA's bonding arrangement according to Valence Bond Theory? Include details with respect to bond angles and orbital hybridization, the presence of σ and π bonds, etc.

~How would you describe its general shape and intermolecular forces? What does its shape have to do with its functions, effects, and properties?

Answer 1

MDMA contains a total of 29 atom(s) , consisting of 15 Hydrogen atom(s), 11 Carbon atom(s), 1 Nitrogen atom(s) and 2 Oxygen atom(s). As for the chemical bonds and functional groups, a total of 30 bond(s) comprising 15 non-H bond(s), 6 multiple bond(s), 3 rotatable bond(s), 6 aromatic bond(s), 1 five-membered ring(s), 1 six-membered ring(s), 1 nine-membered ring(s), 1 secondary amine(s) (aliphatic) and 2 ether(s) (aromatic) exist within the chemical structure.

MDMA (short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a widely used and abused psychoactive drug. Known on the street as “ecstasy”, it is illegal in most countries. It has no established medical uses; but it is available to qualified researchers. As shown in the hazard information table, it is toxic in numerous ways.

MDMA is a water-insoluble viscous oil and therefore difficult to handle. Because of this, it is usually prepared as an aqueous solution of its hydrochloride salt. It is a chiral molecule normally produced as the racemate. The (R)-enantiomer (shown) remains in the body, especially in blood plasma, significantly longer than its (S) counterpart.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a widely abused psychoactive drug known on the street as “ecstasy”. MDMA, however, may have a beneficial use. Jennifer M. Mitchell at the University of California, San Francisco and colleagues there and at several other institutions worldwide report that the drug is efficacious in patients with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study was conducted with 90 participants at 15 sites in three countries.