AZOXYMETHANE

Uses

Azoxymethane (AOM), a gene mutation agent, may be used with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to create cancer models in laboratory animals which can be used to study mechanisms of cancer progression and chemoprevention.

General Description

Clear oily liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

AZOXYMETHANE is sensitive to prolonged exposure to air and elevated temperatures . Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

AZOXYMETHANE is an azo compound. Azo, diazo, azido compounds can detonate. This applies in particular to organic azides that have been sensitized by the addition of metal salts or strong acids. Toxic gases are formed by mixing materials of this class with acids, aldehydes, amides, carbamates, cyanides, inorganic fluorides, halogenated organics, isocyanates, ketones, metals, nitrides, peroxides, phenols, epoxides, acyl halides, and strong oxidizing or reducing agents. Flammable gases are formed by mixing materials in this group with alkali metals. Explosive combination can occur with strong oxidizing agents, metal salts, peroxides, and sulfides.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: AZOXYMETHANE is highly flammable and sensitive to elevated temperatures. Upon decomposition it emits toxic fumes.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for AZOXYMETHANE are not available. AZOXYMETHANE is probably highly flammable.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Carcinogen that induces O6-methylguanine adducts in DNA leading to G→A transitions. Induces tumorigenesis in the colon of laboratory animals and is used to study the mechanism of cancer progression and chemoprevention.

Safety Profile

Suspected carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and mmorigenic data. Poison by subcutaneous route. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Nox