Which class has the chemical structure Phenoxymethylpenicillin?

Which class has the chemical structure Phenoxymethylpenicillin?

• A. Cephalosporin
• B. Penicillin
• C. Macrolides
• D. Quinolones

Answer: (B)

Phenoxymethylpenicillin is penicillin V, a member of the penicillin family. Penicillins share a beta-lactam ring fused to a thiazolidine ring, and the specific side chain — in this case, phenoxymethyl — defines the particular penicillin. The phenoxymethyl group makes it acid-stable for oral use, but it remains a penicillin at its core. Other classes have different core structures (cephalosporins have a beta-lactam with a dihydrothiazine ring, macrolides are large lactone complexes, and quinolones have a distinct quinolone ring system), so the best answer is the penicillin class.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin is penicillin V, a member of the penicillin family. Penicillins share a beta-lactam ring fused to a thiazolidine ring, and the specific side chain — in this case, phenoxymethyl — defines the particular penicillin. The phenoxymethyl group makes it acid-stable for oral use, but it remains a penicillin at its core. Other classes have different core structures (cephalosporins have a beta-lactam with a dihydrothiazine ring, macrolides are large lactone complexes, and quinolones have a distinct quinolone ring system), so the best answer is the penicillin class.