Question

The components of poison ivy and poison oak that produce the characteristic itchy rash are catechols substituted with long-chain alkyl groups. consider the structural characteristics of catechols and not the properties of the exposed skin. if you were exposed to poison ivy, which mixture would be best for removal of the alkylcatechol?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is – wash the affected area with soap, water, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Explanation:

Soap emulsifies and dissolves the alkyl  group of alkylcatechol which is hydrophobic, as it is known that pKa of alkylcatechol is around 8, its -OH group ionizes in a slightly alkaline solution of baking soda (bi carbonate) and makes the compound much more water soluble and relaxes the effect of poison ivy.

Further explanation:

Poison ivy and poison oak are plants that cause itchy rash when they come in contact with an individual. A substance are found in these plants known as urushiol,  that is the reason for the rashes.  

These substances contains mainly catechols. Catechols of poison ivy contains C17 where as poison oak contains C15 side chains.

Longer the side chains present in the catechols, stronger the reaction will be and tougher to remove or wash them. The alkyl group is hydrophobic so it is not easy to wash it off with water or soap all alone. Bicarbonate solution helps in removing it.

It is believed that characteristic itchy rashes are due to structural properties of catechol than properties of exposed skins. Thus it is needed to dissolve or break the side chain of catechols.

Soap water helps in emulsifying the alkyl catechols and make it dissolve as it is hydrophobic in nature. For washing it more easily, solution of baking soda can be used as it can ionize the -OH group of the catechols which makes it more water soluble.

Learn more:

1. Poison ivy  brainly.com/question/601145  ( answer by Exvited  )    

2. use of urushiol brainly.com/question/1219325 ( answer by JcAlmighty)

Keywords :

Poison ivy, poison oak, urushiol, catechols, bicarbonate, water, soap, rashes, itchy, alkylcatechols.

Answer 2

The mixture that will be the best for the removal of alkylcatechol is SOAP AND WATER.
Washing the affected area with soap is necessary because the alkylcatechol has an oily property which makes it to adhere strongly to the skin. Application of water helps to wash the soap away and to cool the affected part. The washing of the affected part should be done immediately after the exposure.