Question

Which one of the following will be an example of changing the physical form of the drug to get a prodrug?

(a) Ethyl mercaptan to 1,3-Diesters

(b) Trichloroethanol to p-Acetamidobenzene ester

(c) Ethyl mercaptan to phthalate esters

(d) Chloramphenicol to palmitate ester

I have been asked this question in examination.

My doubt is from Prodrugs topic in section Prodrugs & Excretion of Drugs of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Ethyl mercaptan to 1,3-Diesters

Easiest explanation: Ethyl mercaptan to 1,3-Diesters involves the formation of symmetrical molecules having the tendency to form crystals. Trichloroethanol to p-Acetamidobenzene ester is not the correct form, here Trichloroethanol should be converted to p-Acetamidobenzoic acid ester. Ethyl mercaptan to phthalate esters is done for the improvement of odour and chloramphenicol to palmitate ester is done for the improvement of odour.