Heterocyclic

/ˌhɛtərəˈsɪklɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing a molecule that has a ring structure made up of different types of atoms (usually carbon plus nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur).

Etymology

From heterocycle with adjectival suffix -ic, used extensively in organic and medicinal chemistry terminology.

Kelly Says

Most pharmaceutical drugs contain heterocyclic rings—your antibiotic, aspirin, and caffeine addiction all depend on these ring structures, which is why medicinal chemists obsess over designing them perfectly!

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