Heparin, the most widely used injectable blood anticoagulant, has been in the news recently because contaminated samples of raw heparin stock from China were discovered. It is one of the oldest drugs in widespread use; it was discovered in 1916 and was in medical use by the 1930s. Chemically, it is a highly sulfated polysaccharide in which the most common unit is the triply sulfated disaccharide l-iduronic acid–d-glucosamine.
Learn more about this molecule from CAS, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!
If your favorite molecule is not in our archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!
Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve
Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.
