Ayoub,+Norton1

Diazepam

C16H13ClN2O

Background of Diazepam Dr. Leo Sternbach invented Diazepam in 1963. It is a benzodiazepine derivative drug that affects chemicals in the brain that affect anxiety. Diazepam is marketed and better known as Valium. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, and as a premedication for inducing amnesia before procedures. The state of California uses Diazepam as a pre-execution sedative for their inmates as part of their Lethal Injection Program.

Characteristics of Diazepam Diazepam is found as a solid crystals, usually taking a white or yellow color. The United States Pharmacopoeia lists Diazepam as soluble 1 in 16 of Ethyl Alcohol, 1 in 2 of Chloroform, 1 in 39 of Ether, and practically insoluble in water. The melting point of Diazepam is between 131.5 ºC and 134.5 ºC. Synthesis of Diazepam

Sources [] [] [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diazepam#Physical_properties] []

Pros: I found the pre-execution sedative use really interesting. I guess people would have anxiety before an execution. The self inducing amnesia use is another interesting thing that I found. I would not know why people would want that. You included very interesting side effects. I enjoyed the actual picture of a Valium pill because it added color to the page. Good physical and chemical properties. Cons: Some cons were that some of the information could be bulleted so that it would make the page neater. I didn't like the black and white diagram of the synthesis of Valium. I don't know if many people can understand it. I would have liked some more colors on the page. The synthesis or source of Valium should be explained more. The title line could be larger, rather than smaller than other text.