Chemistry about Haloalkane!

Question

Hi, it is taking me a while to figure this out. I just am not sure!

Identify a haloalkane and describe the manner in which it functions as an anesthetic.

Answer 1

We meet again =)

Ha, this one is tough though.

I found this on the web as it is. Not sure if its correct, I have no idea!

Here it is:

Haloalkanes are a group of chemical compounds that consist of an alkane with one or more halogens attached to it. Some examples of haloalkanes useds as anethesia are Halothane, Trichloroethylene, and Chloroform.

The exact manner in which anesthetics works is, for the most part, still uncertain at the cellular and molecular levels. There are two big theories, however, about how this might work. One, called the Meyer Overton theory states that anesthetic chemicals dissolve within the membranes of cells and then causes the structures of these cells to be distorted. This, consequently, impairs the ability of nerve signals to be carried along nerve cells. A second theory states that anethetics interact with specific proteins, such as neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels, and change their structures, thereby, affecting their action.

One of the mechanisms describing how chloroform, specifically, works is that it increases the movement of potassium through potassium ion channels in nerve cells. Chloroform has been shown to activate these channels, and this can lead to hyperpolarization of the membranes, which happens to make nerve cells less "excitable," or less able to carry an electrical signal. This can either prevent the release of neurotransmitters, or prevent the response caused by neurotransmitters, or both. Also, chloroform, as well as most of the anesthetic chemicals, can work by increasing the level of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it slows down the conduction of nerve signals. The more GABA that's present, the less efficient the nervous system might be.

-----

I'm feeling pretty good that the names of the drugs are indeed haloalkanes. The rest I can't be sure.

I feel the answer given is more physiology-orientated, and I'm getting the feeling you wanted a more chemistry-based answer. But thats probably the best I can do for now, this ones out of my league!