Question

In what respect do prontosil and Salvarsan resemble? Is there any resemblance between azo dye and prontosil? Explain.

Answer 1

The structure of Prontosil and Salvarsan





Prontosil & Salvarsan

Scientist Paul Ehrlich, in 1932 prepared the first effective antibacterial agent, Prontosil which resembles in structure to the compound Salvarsan (Arsphenamine), which was developed by himself when he was researching with Arsenic based structures to produce less toxic substances for the treatment of Syphilis.

The main resemblance between these two compounds (Salvarsan & Prontosil) is the linkage between two Arsenic present in Salvarsan & the linkage between two Nitrogens present in Prontosil. i.e., the
–As=As– present in Salvarsan &
– N=N – present in Prontosil.
Its just that As atoms are present in Salvarsan instead of Nitrogen.

The resemblance between azo dye and prontosil

Yes, there is also a resemblance between Azo dye and Prontosil in terms of linkage.




Azo-dye & Prontosil

The –N=N – linkage is present in both azo dyes & Prontosil and in the same position holding 2 benzene (substituted) rings.