Chemical Properties
white powder
Uses
6-?Methyl-?2-?thiouracil is a derivative of methylthiouracil (M330710), a competitive inhibitor of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS). Potential anti-inflammatory agent.
Definition
ChEBI: Methylthiouracil is a pyrimidone.
General Description
White crystalline powder with an odor of onions and a bitter taste. A saturated aqueous solution is neutral or slightly acidic.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Methylthiouracil reacts with strong oxidizing agents. Forms complexes with metals and is oxidized by iodine and other sulfhydryl oxidizing agents .
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for Methylthiouracil are not available. Methylthiouracil is probably combustible.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen
with experimental carcinogenic,
neoplastigenic, tumorigenic, and teratogenic
data. Poison by intraperitoneal route.
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Human
teratogenic and reproductive effects by an
unspecified route: developmental
abnormalities of the endocrine system and
effects on newborn including neonatal
measures or effects. Experimental
reproductive effects. Used to treat
hyperthyroidism. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
NOx and SOx.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the thiouracil from a large volume of H2O. Purify it further by dissolving in base, adding charcoal, filtering and acidifying with AcOH. Suspend the wet solid (ca 100g) in boiling H2O (1L), stir and add AcOH (20mL), stir and refrigerate. Collect the product, wash it with cold H2O (4 x 200mL), drain it for several hours then place it in an oven at 70o to constant weight. [IR: Short & Thompson J Chem Soc 168 1952, Foster & Snyder Org Synth Coll Vol IV 638 1063, Beilstein 24 III/IV 1289.]
