Murexide is used as a complexometric indicator in analytical chemistry for complexometric titrations of calcium, copper nickel and cobalt. It is an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase. Further, it acts as an enhancer of sonochemical destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbon pollutants.
The sample may be grossly contaminated with uramil, alloxanthine, etc., and may be difficult to purify. It is better to synthesise it from pure alloxanthine [Davidson J Am Chem Soc 58 1821 1936]. Recrystallise it from water. [Kuhn & Lyman Chem Ber 69 1547 1936, Beilstein 25 I 709, 25 III/IV 4236.]
