Alloxan is a white crystals, become pink on exposure to air; colorless aqueous solution which imparts pink color to skin. Soluble in water and alcohol.
Alloxan is used in biochemical research, cosmetics, organic synthesis.
ChEBI: A member of the class of pyrimidones, the structure of which is that of perhydropyrimidine substituted at C-2, -4, -5 and -6 by oxo groups.
Poison by intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, and rectal routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Produces dlabetes in experimental animals. Decomposes in storage to release CO2. Do not store in sealed container. Explodes when heated above 170℃. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx,.
Crystallisation from water gives the tetrahydrate. Anhydrous crystals are obtained by crystallisation from acetone, glacial acetic acid or by sublimation in vacuo. [See below and Beilstein 24 H 500, 24 I 428, 24 II 301, 24 III/IV 2137.]
