Organic Chemistry (Methamphetamine) Essay Example for Free

Organic Chemistry (Methamphetamine) Essay Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in Japan in 1893 by chemist Nagai Nagayoshi. In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine. Synthesis is relatively simple, but entails risk with flammable and corrosive chemicals, particularly the solvents used in extraction and purification; therefore, illicit production is often discovered by fires and explosions caused by the improper handling of volatile or flammable solvents. Most of the necessary chemicals are readily available in household products or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. When illicitly produced, methamphetamine is commonly made by the reduction of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. The maximum conversion rate for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine is 92%, although typically, illicit methamphetamine laboratories convert at a rate of 50% to 75%. Methamphetamine has been reported to occur naturally in Acacia berlandieri, and possibly Acacia rigidula, trees that grow in West Texas. Methamphetamine and regular amphetamine were long thought to be strictly human-synthesized, but Acacia trees contain these and numerous other psychoactive compounds (e.g., mescaline, nicotine, dimethyltryptamine), and the related compound ÃŽ ²-phenethylamine is known to occur from numerous Acacia species. Diagrams Health Concerns Physical effects can include anorexia, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypotension, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, arrhythmias, tremors, dry and/or itchy skin, acne, pallor, and with chronic and/or high doses, convulsions, heart attack, stroke, and death can occur. Psychological effects can include euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, alertness, concentration, energy, self-esteem, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychosomatic disorders, psychomotor agitation, grandiosity, hallucinations, excessive feelings of power and invincibility, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, paranoia, and with chronic and/or high doses, amphetamine psychosis can occur. Methamphetamine use has a high association with depression and suicide as well as serious heart disease, amphetamine psychosis, anxiety and violent behaviours. Methamphetamine also has a very high addiction risk. Methamphetamine also is neurotoxic and is associated with an increased risk of parkinsons disease. Methamphetamine abuse can cause neurotoxicity which is believed to be responsible for causing persisting cognitive deficits, such as memory, impaired attention and executive function. Over 20 percent of people addicted to methamphetamine develop a long-lasting psychosis resembling schizophrenia after stopping methamphetamine which persists for longer than 6 months and is often treatment resistant. Meth labs can also be fatal seeing as they often blow up. This is usually due to amateur chemists operating them. They can also give off deadly fumes. Where It Is Commonly Found Methamphetamine is FDA approved for use in children and adults under the trademark name Desoxyn. A generic version became available in April, 2010. It is prescribed as a treatment for ADHD and exogenous obesity, as well as off-label for the treatment of narcolepsy and treatment-resistant depression. Physical Properties Formula C10H15N Mol. Mass 149.233g/mol Half-Life 9-12 hours Metabolism hepatic IUPAC Name N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine Structure Related To Function The structure of this molecule is very much related it’s function. It closely mimics another molecule which stimulates the brain. This molecule fits the receptor site and therefore acts as a stimulant. Functional Groups Methyl Amino Aromatic (Phenyl)

Signs of Racism by Rajiv Kapur :: Race Racism

Signs of Racism by Rajiv Kapur Signs of Racism offers a glimpse into what racism means today. Historically, racism was more prevalent, more obvious, but actually less disparaging to the victim than it is today. You see, SoR underlines the fundamental reasoning that quiet, subtle jabs with racist remarks are more pestilent. The subjugated can overcome overt oppression because none 'can respect his oppressor.' Kapur offers us a number of examples of what the signs of (subtle) racism are; many of which may not be obvious to readers. SoR provides proof that the antagonistic sentiments of racists are due in part to not one, but several factors - each offering a very convincing argument. Kapur provides signs that at first may appear benign, are actually deeply motivating factors of malevolence to people of other races. SoR makes it quite clear to all, that racists do not feel compassion for members of the race which they are displaying their 'subtle' partiality. Racism is shown to stem from an individual who needs to maintain (albeit, an imaginary) position of supremacy. A racist will use all means possible to subjugate the victimized race. A racist feels no remorse or sympathy for the impact his racist actions have on the victimized. The overall aura of all the signs projects a racist of hatred and heartless sensibilities. SoR is not an impartial piece of literature. Kapur provides us with the views of a person afflicted by subtle racism. Consequently, we see the views of the victim and not the racist expressed. This position is espoused by the majority of the world, and so is readily accepted. (That might be an interesting concept for a book, though - Hatred of the Bigot.) This partiality does not impair his writing, however. On the contrary, the lifetime reality Kapur was familiar with (covert racism) supports his subjective reasoning. The description (or rather, oblique explanation) of a racist was also emphasized in SoR - a racist is a racist regardless of 'religion, intelligence, cultural level, social status, benevolence towards members of their own race or social motivation.' The stereotype of a racist is abolished. Kapur argues that racists come from all races and

Chromosome 6 Summary

Summary of Chromosome 6 by author Robin Cook: Chromosome 6 begins with the murder of an infamous Mafia figure, Carlo Franconi. His Mafia competitors are the number one suspects for the shooting, and these suspicions rise when Franconi’s body disappears from the morgue before the autopsy is carried out. Medical examiner Jack is confused and interested by the case, along with his partner Dr. Montgomery. However, their attention is sidetracked by the arrival of a mutilated, unidentifiable body that has been found in the river.The two doctors are disturbed by the appearance of the body, because it has been completely mutilated. When they discover that the body is also missing its liver, they go on a quest to find the reason why, which takes them into the dangerous jungles of Equatorial Guinea. Here the two men discover the scary possibilities of medicine and science and the unethical experiments being carried out on humans and animals. In Chromosome 6, there are two stories being told. The first story takes place mostly in New York, where the medical examiners are faced with the task of doing an autopsy on Carlo Franconi.Alongside that story, we are introduced to Kevin Marshal, a 34-year-old geek who works for GenSys, a biotech company. Kevin lives in Equatorial Guinea, where he’s doing research using Bonobos, a type of primate. Equatorial Guinea is where the second story takes place, where Kevin must solve a mystery of his own. Along the way he is helped by Melanie Becket and Candace Brickman. Then, Jack and Kevin's stories merge into one complicated, unified plot. Although Jack is the main character in this story, Kevin is by far the most memorable. Both the group in New York and the one in Africa risk their lives to learn their respective truths.

Tobacco Use And Its Effect On Our Ecosystem - 923 Words

According to the Center for Disease Control tobacco use is responsible for more than four hundred eighty thousand premature deaths each year and is the largest cause of preventable mortality in the United States (cdc.gov). Imagine a world where our ecosystem is not suffering from the toxic effects that tobacco use has on our ecosystem. A dream that will probably never be achieved in America due to the high demand of this cancerous substance. Cigarettes have proven to be one of the most detrimental forces ever created. In 1881 the first cigarette machine was created making tobacco more accessible worldwide (healthliteracy.worlded.org). In the centuries ahead they have been responsible for six million deaths per year. Cigarettes negatively impact not only yourself, but also everything around us. In today’s society almost everyone is a smoker in some way, shape, or form. Whether tobacco is smoked or chewed the consumption has proven to be deadly to all aspects of humanity. In 2013 the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) reported that in 2013, 42.1 adults in America were current cigarette smokers consequentially polluting the environment at an aggressive rate. Second hand smoke is smoke inhaled involuntarily due to other tobacco users. These chemicals released into the atmosphere then linger undetectably in the air we breath. When exposed to second hand smoke the effects are equivalent. No one is exempt from the exposure to second hand smoke. 88 million nonsmoking Americans areShow MoreRelatedShould The Production Of Cigarette Be Legal?951 Words   |  4 Pagesthe production of cigarettes should be illegal on account it causes deadly diseases, second hand smoke, addiction and pollution. In the United States, there is around 400,000 deaths each year because of cigarette smoking. Tobacco use has more deaths each year than other drug use such as alcohol, and also other lead deaths in America like car crash injures, suicide, and murder together. 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