Henry's constant for halothane, an anesthetic, is higher than that of ether. Which anesthetic would you expect to be faster acting?
A) They would act at the same rates.
B) Halothane would act slower because it would diffuse through tissue rather than being transported by the blood.
C) Halothane would act faster because it would diffuse through tissue rather than being transported by the blood.
D) Ether would act slower because it would diffuse through tissue rather than being transported by the blood.
E) Ether would act faster because it would diffuse through tissue rather than being transported by the blood.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A higher Henry's constant indicates a higher solubility of the gas in tissue, which means it will diffuse quickly through tissue and reach the bloodstream faster. Therefore, halothane, with a higher Henry's constant, will act faster than ether, which has a lower Henry's constant.

Henry's Constant for Halothane, an Anesthetic, Is Higher Than That