Pralidoxime structure below is used as an antidote to neurot

Pralidoxime (structure below) is used as an antidote to neurotoxic organophosphorus agents. Suggest a chemical mechanism for such action.

Solution

Answer : Pralidoxime/ Pralidoxime chloride can be used as an antidote against organophosphates which are the inhibitors of acetyl choline esterase enzyme. Pralidoximes binds to bind to acetylcholinesterase which is inactivated by organophosphate. It binds to anionic site of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme followed by binding to organophosphate which is already bound to the enzyme and brings about conformational changes in organophosphates making it to dissociate from the enzyme. Later the antidote also dissociate from the enzyme making the enzyme active again.