Structure:
Amphetamine Chemical Formula: C₉H₁₃N
Molecular Structure: Contains a benzene ring attached to an ethyl chain, which is connected to an amino group (-NH₂) on the second carbon (alpha position).
Geometry: Planar around the benzene ring and tetrahedral around the carbon atoms in the ethyl chain.
Uses:
Medical Use: Used as a central nervous system stimulant in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Weight Loss: Occasionally prescribed for short-term management of obesity due to its appetite suppressant effects (though this use is less common now due to potential for abuse).
Recreational Use: Known for its stimulant effects, but it is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
Research: Used in research studies exploring the effects of stimulants on the central nervous system.