(2R)-2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyluridine stands out as a specialized nucleoside analog, designed with distinct substitutions at the two-position of uridine’s core ring. This compound features a fluorine atom and a methyl group, locked onto a deoxyribose backbone, shaping a profile favored in medicinal chemistry circles. In the synthetic and pharmaceutical sectors, labs call upon this molecule as both a building block and a probe for enzymatic reactions, drug design, and even layered research on nucleic acid function. Here, you see real promise in applications where tweaks to a classic nucleoside create new biological properties—often influencing metabolic stability or cellular uptake.
Walking through a chemical catalog, this molecule appears as a white or off-white solid—sometimes presenting in powder, crystalline, or pearl forms. Each batch should deliver a consistent purity level, typically upwards of 98% when used in lab conditions. It melts in a specific temperature window, usually between 140 and 150°C, signaling correct synthesis and storage. Examine its solubility profile: most solvents in the polar range, such as water or methanol, bring this molecule into solution efficiently. This trait makes it workable not only for high-throughput screening but also for hands-on benchtop research. Chemically, it resists hydrolysis better than its uridine ancestor, offering extended shelf life under dry, cool storage.
Its chemical backbone paints a clear story for those familiar with nucleoside chemistry. The uracil ring anchors at one end, decked with a methyl group at the two-position—plus, a fluorine atom juts out, both replacing standard hydrogen. The sugar moiety, looks like deoxyribose but at the two-carbon spot, another swap: methyl for hydrogen. Molecular formula C10H13FN2O5 spells out ten carbons, thirteen hydrogens, a single fluorine, two nitrogens, and five oxygens, coming to a formula weight near 260.22 g/mol. Analytical techniques confirm structure; NMR data reveal distinctive methyl and fluorine signals, mass spectrometry locks in its molecular weight, and IR spectra highlight bond vibrations characteristic of the fluorinated uracil ring. This precise chemistry keeps research reproducible.
In solid state, (2R)-2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyluridine lands as a fine powder or delicate flakes. It feels silky to the touch (when gloves are worn, as safety must come first), with a density near 1.57 g/cm³. For storage, it likes low humidity, away from intense sunlight, and works best packaged in amber glass to minimize light-triggered decomposition. While batches may arrive as microcrystals, they dissolve with gentle warming or vortexing in most research-grade solvents. To move this compound in bulk, suppliers often list the HS Code 2934999099, which sits among the chemical codes for nucleoside derivatives. Those handling kilo quantities or solution liters take note: measuring density and viscosity matters, especially if preparing sterile or injectable formulations for further study. Typical shipments follow all hazardous goods regulations, even though the molecule itself, in standard quantities, does not trigger the highest risk categories.
Handling any nucleoside analog, care always underlines every action. This compound doesn’t fit the description of the most acutely hazardous chemicals, but long-term exposure, inhalation of fine particulate, or accidental skin contact deserve caution. Gloves, goggles, and lab coats mean fewer incidents—having personal experience, I’ve learned that even seemingly non-reactive powders, when airborne, can irritate mucosa. Pour it in a well-ventilated fume hood, and waste—never down the sink—heads straight for hazardous disposal. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) list it under chemical hazards with directions in case of spillage or accidental ingestion. While not known for overt toxicity, its analog structure means you avoid direct ingestion, inhalation, or unnecessary environmental exposure. Keep emergency eyewash stations nearby; safe habits outlive any single experiment.
Raw ingredients feed into a synthesis chain requiring specialty reagents: protected sugars, uracil derivatives, methylating and fluorinating agents. Production scale-up brings in pharmaceutical-grade solvents and purification media, such as silica gel or preparative chromatography columns. Reliable suppliers run thorough batch testing: chromatographic purity, water content by Karl Fischer titration, structural integrity via NMR, all guaranteed before a gram leaves their plant. Limited access controls, full chain-of-custody records, and declared HS codes keep international transport above board. In my own purchasing, working with traceable suppliers means less downtime and fewer repeat syntheses—critical for drug discovery timelines or research where every milligram counts.
Staring at the long pipeline between concept and clinic, molecules like (2R)-2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyluridine aren’t background actors. Their altered structure delivers new options for inhibiting key enzymes, studying metabolic pathways, and pushing the design for modified oligonucleotides. In antiviral research, these tweaks slow down viral replication machinery; in cancer biology, they fit therapeutic screens for cytotoxicity and metabolic resistance. Material quality, handling standards, and solid analytical support underpin both successful experiments and safe working environments. Drawing on years at the bench and across regulatory audits, I’ve seen contamination, mishandling, or poor documentation cause weeks of delays, not to mention wasted budgets. Real solutions draw from strict supplier vetting, robust internal SOPs, and constant updating of MSDS sheets so every user—new hire or seasoned chemist—operates with confidence and clarity.
