Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
08:21
Curation of Computational Chemical Libraries Demonstrated with Alpha-Amino Acids
Published on: April 13, 2022
2.9K
The Most Common Functional Groups in Bioactive Molecules and How Their Popularity Has Evolved over Time.
Peter Ertl1, Eva Altmann1, Jeffrey M McKenna2
1Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Functional groups (FGs) are key in medicinal chemistry. Their usage patterns in drug discovery over 40 years show clear trends influenced by synthetic methods and molecular property knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Functional groups (FGs) are fundamental to understanding molecular reactivity and properties in medicinal chemistry.
- The historical development and application of FGs significantly impact drug design and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and evolution of various functional groups in medicinal chemistry literature over the past 40 years.
- To identify and discuss the driving factors behind the changing popularity of specific functional groups.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of medicinal chemistry literature from the last four decades.
- Trend analysis of functional group occurrence and utilization.
- Discussion of factors influencing functional group selection in drug discovery.
Main Results:
- The utilization of functional groups in medicinal chemistry has not been random, exhibiting distinct temporal patterns.
- The introduction of new synthetic methodologies and advancements in understanding molecular properties correlate with shifts in FG popularity.
- Specific functional groups have seen increased or decreased prominence over time, reflecting evolving research strategies.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of functional group usage provides insights into the historical progression of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for predicting future trends and optimizing the selection of functional groups in new drug candidates.
- The interplay between synthetic innovation, property knowledge, and FG application shapes the landscape of modern drug discovery.
More Related Videos
08:49Incorporating Target Protein Structure Flexibility and Dynamics in Computational Drug Discovery Using Ensemble-Based Docking Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2025
929
07:49Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group
Published on: August 16, 2017
7.4K
Related Concept Videos
02:08Introduction to Functional Groups
34.0K
Functional groups are group of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups are found along the carbon backbone of macromolecules can form chains or rings of carbon atoms. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of common functional groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry....
34.0K
02:22Overview of Advanced Functional Groups
28.7K
Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
28.7K
01:19Overview of Functional Groups
14.7K
Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, certain functional groups will make a molecule hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each functional group is a unique...
14.7K
02:45Functional Groups
86.4K
Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...
86.4K
02:45Functional Groups
24.0K
24.0K
03:02Organic Compounds
55.8K
All living things are formed mostly of carbon compounds called organic compounds. The category of organic compounds includes both natural and synthetic compounds that contain carbon. Although a single, precise definition has yet to be identified by the chemistry community, most agree that a defining trait of organic molecules is the presence of carbon as the principal element, bonded to hydrogen and other carbon atoms. However, some carbon-containing compounds such as carbonates, cyanides, and...
55.8K