Articaine Structure — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — A thiophene ring
Articaine contains a thiophene ring in its lipophilic aromatic portion, whereas the corresponding portion of other commonly used amide local anaesthetics is generally a benzene ring. Thiophene is a five-membered aromatic heterocycle containing sulphur. Articaine is classified as an amide local anaesthetic because its intermediate linkage includes an amide bond; it also has a separate ester group that permits rapid hydrolysis. Benzene is therefore incorrect for articaine itself, while piperidine is a saturated nitrogen-containing ring, pyridine is a six-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic ring, and naphthalene is a fused bicyclic aromatic system.
Reference: Hopman AJG, Baart JA, Brand HS. Articaine and neurotoxicity—a review. British Dental Journal. 2017;223:501–506. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28972589/