Fluorouracil

Product NameFluorouracil
CAS51-21-8
MFC4H3FN2O2
MW130.08
EINECS200-085-6
MOL File51-21-8.mol

Chemical Properties

Melting point	282-286 °C (dec.) (lit.)
Boiling point	190-200°C/0.1mmHg
Density	1.4593 (estimate)
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	H₂O: 10 mg/mL, clear
form	powder
pka	pKa 8.0±0.1 (H2O) (Uncertain);3.0±0.1(H2O) (Uncertain)
color	white
PH	4.3-5.3 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Water Solubility	12.2 g/L 20 ºC
Sensitive	Air Sensitive
Merck	14,4181
BRN	127172
Henry's Law Constant	5.8×10⁴ mol/(m³Pa) at 25℃, HSDB (2015)
Stability	Stable. Light sensitive. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.
Major Application	diagnostic assay manufacturing hematology histology
InChI	1S/C4H3FN2O2/c5-2-1-6-4(9)7-3(2)8/h1H,(H2,6,7,8,9)
InChIKey	GHASVSINZRGABV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES	FC1=CNC(=O)NC1=O
CAS DataBase Reference	51-21-8(CAS DataBase Reference)
IARC	3 (Vol. 26, Sup 7) 1987
NIST Chemistry Reference	2,4-Pyrimidinedione, 5-fluoro-(51-21-8)
EPA Substance Registry System	5-Fluorouracil (51-21-8)

Safety Information

Hazard Codes	Xn,T,C,Xi
Risk Statements	22-20/21/22-52-25
Safety Statements	36-36/37-36/37/39-22-45-26
RIDADR	UN 2811 6.1/PG 3
WGK Germany	3
RTECS	YR0350000
F	10-23
Hazard Note	Irritant/Highly Toxic
TSCA	TSCA listed
HazardClass	6.1
PackingGroup	III
HS Code	29335995
Storage Class	6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
Hazard Classifications	Acute Tox. 3 Oral Carc. 2
Hazardous Substances Data	51-21-8(Hazardous Substances Data)
Toxicity	LD50 orally in Rabbit: 230 mg/kg

MSDS

Provider	Language
5-Fluoropyrimidine-2,4-dione	English
SigmaAldrich	English
ACROS	English
ALFA	English

Usage And Synthesis

Description

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a skin cream or solution that treats skin cancer. It’s a chemotherapy agent that destroys cancer cells.

Mechanism of action

Fluorouracil is part of a group of chemotherapy drugs known as anti metabolites. Anti metabolites are similar to normal body molecules but they have a slightly different structure.
These differences mean that anti metabolites stop cancer cells working properly. They stop the cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need to make and repair DNA so that they can grow and multiply.

Side effects

Common side effects occurring in more than 10% of individuals may include:

1. Increased risk of infection: This is caused by a decrease in white blood cells and can manifest as symptoms such as fluctuating temperature, muscle aches, headaches, chills, and a general feeling of being unwell. Additional symptoms may vary depending on the location of the infection. In some cases, infections can be severe, so it is important to seek urgent medical advice if an infection is suspected.

2. Pallor and breathlessness: A reduction in red blood cells, known as anaemia, may lead to breathlessness and a pale appearance.

3. Elevated risk of bleeding and bruising: A decrease in platelet count can result in a higher likelihood of bleeding and bruising. This may present as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or the development of small red spots or bruises (petechiae) on the skin.

Precautions

Fluorouracil is only for use on the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Wash affected area and gently pat dry. To apply this medicine use a cotton-tipped applicator, or use gloves if applying with fingertips. If applied with unprotected fingertips, it is very important to wash your hands well after you apply this medicine. Avoid applying to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area. You can cover the area with a light gauze dressing, but do not use tight or air-tight dressings. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional, even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.