Question

Why does replacement of a hydrogen atom with fluorine not alter the steric bulk of a drug?
(Explain in 5 words or less.)

Why is a C – F bond resistant to metabolic degradation? (Explain in 5 words or less.)

Why is free radical halogenation of alkanes using fluorine not performed? (Explain in 5
words or less.)

Answer 1

Solution:-

• Fluorine have similar size with hydrogen, so, ideal replacement to study the effect of electronegativity change without affecting steric requirements.
• Fluorine most electronegative halogen C-F bond very stable, thus fluorine (or other halogens) can be placed on eacily oxidized positions to increase stability during metabolic processes.
• Fluorination is too violently, explosive and too quickly to be selective. If uncontrolled it can break carbon-carbon bond.