Product Description
Pharmaceutical
Raw Materials and Intermediates
AI Product Description
*The following content is generated by AI and is for reference only.
5-Bromouridine, chemically known as 5-bromo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyluracil, is a significant halogenated nucleoside analog widely utilized in biochemical and molecular biology research. Its chemical formula is C9H11BrN2O6, and it carries the CAS Registry Number 3807-24-5. Structurally, this compound consists of a uracil base substituted with a bromine atom at the fifth position, attached to a ribose sugar moiety via a beta-glycosidic bond. This specific substitution alters the electronic properties of the base, significantly influencing its hydrogen bonding capabilities and tautomeric equilibrium compared to natural uridine.
The primary application of 5-Bromouridine lies in its role as a thymidine analog that can be incorporated into RNA during transcription or into DNA if converted to its triphosphate form. Researchers frequently employ it as a metabolic label to track RNA synthesis rates and turnover dynamics within living cells and tissues. Due to its ability to mimic uracil, it serves as an effective tool for pulse-chase experiments, allowing scientists to visualize and quantify newly synthesized RNA populations without disrupting normal cellular processes excessively. Furthermore, it acts as a potent mutagen in certain contexts; when incorporated into DNA, the bromine atom promotes tautomerization, leading to mispairing during replication and inducing point mutations. This property makes it valuable for studying genetic stability, mutation mechanisms, and DNA repair pathways.
In addition to basic research, 5-Bromouridine finds utility in antiviral studies and the development of nucleoside analog therapeutics. It helps in understanding viral replication cycles where RNA synthesis is critical. The compound is typically supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble in water and polar organic solvents, facilitating its use in various experimental setups including cell culture media and enzymatic assays. While highly effective for research, handling requires standard laboratory safety precautions due to its potential mutagenicity. Overall, 5-Bromouridine remains an indispensable reagent for elucidating fundamental biological processes related to nucleic acid metabolism and genetic variation.