A structural analog can be imagined to be formed, at least theoretically, from the other compound.
[4] In drug discovery, either a large series of structural analogs of an initial lead compound are created and tested as part of a structure–activity relationship study[5] or a database is screened for structural analogs of a lead compound.
[6] Chemical analogues of illegal drugs are developed and sold in order to circumvent laws.
Because of this, the United States passed the Federal Analogue Act in 1986.
This bill banned the production of any chemical analogue of a Schedule I or Schedule II substance that has substantially similar pharmacological effects, with the intent of human consumption.