Partition coefficients and the structure-activity relationship of the anesthetic gases

Partition coefficients of 32 gaseous anesthetics in the octanol-water system have been determined. It is shown that relative anesthetic potency depends on hydrophobicity of the anesthetic (as defined by log P) and on a polar factor. The presence of a polar hydrogen in the anesthetic greatly increases potency. A quantitative structure-activity relationship is formulated based on these two factors.