Question

Ciprofloxacin (C17H18FN3O3) is a synthetic antibiotic that has a broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Its mechanism of action centers around its ability to inhibit DNA gyrase - an essential enzyme in DNA replication in bacteria.

Calculate the degrees unsaturation.

Answer 1

The degree of unsaturation is also known as 'Index of Hydrogen defficiency (IHD)' is a calculation that determines total number of rings and pi-bonds.

The degree of unsaturation in a molecule can be calculated from it's molecular formula using the following calculation.

Degree of unsaturation = 2C + 2 + N - H - X/ 2

Where X = Number of halogen,

This formula gives you total number of degree of usaturation(ring + pi-binds).

You have given the compound Ciprofloxacin with molecular formula C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃.

For given formula C = 17, H = 18, X = 1, N = 3

So, the degree of unsaturation = 2*17+2+3-18-1 / 2 = 10

Thus the degree of unsaturation in Ciprofloxacin is 10( Total number of ring and pi-bonds).