What structural class does celecoxib belong to?

Celecoxib is classified as a member of the diarylheterocycles structural class. This classification is based on its chemical structure, which consists of two aromatic (aryl) rings and a heterocyclic unit. The compound features a sulfonamide group that differentiates it from other anti-inflammatory medications and contributes to its selective inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity is significant because it helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects typically associated with non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

In contrast, the other options represent different structural classes and do not accurately describe celecoxib's makeup. Alkanones, for example, are ketones with additional alkane groups, while oxicams include a different structural design that features an oxin group. Salicylates, often associated with aspirin, have a phenolic structure distinct from that of diarylheterocycles. Understanding these structural classifications is key to recognizing how different drugs function and their potential side effect profiles.