Question

Which of the following drugs causes severe birth defects due to stereochemical differences in its enantiomers?

• A. Tamoxifen
• B. Methamphetamine
• C. Thalidomide
• D. Paclitaxel

Hint:

Always consider the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of all enantiomers in chiral drugs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Thalidomide exists as two enantiomers: one has sedative effects, while the other is teratogenic (causes birth defects). Due to racemization in the body, administering a single enantiomer does not prevent harmful effects, making it a tragic example of the significance of stereochemistry in drug design.