C

Cytosine

IUPAC: 6-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one

C4H5N3O Organic Compounds CAS 71-30-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H5N3O
CAS Number71-30-7
Molecular Weight111.10
Melting Point> 300 °C
Solubility8.0 mg/mL
AppearanceMonohydrate: Lustrous solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Also Known As6-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one; 71-30-7; 4-Amino-2-hydroxypyrimidine; 4-aminopyrimidin-2(1H)-one; Cytosinimine; 2(1H)-Pyrimidinone, 4-amino-; 4-Amino-2(1H)-pyrimidinone; DTXSID4044456; NSC-27787; 8J337D1HZY
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Cytosine?

Cytosine is an aminopyrimidine that is pyrimidin-2-one having the amino group located at position 4. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a pyrimidine nucleobase, a pyrimidone and an aminopyrimidine.

Formula & Notation

C4H5N3O

IUPAC Name: 6-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one

Other Names / Synonyms: 6-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one; 71-30-7; 4-Amino-2-hydroxypyrimidine; 4-aminopyrimidin-2(1H)-one; Cytosinimine; 2(1H)-Pyrimidinone, 4-amino-; 4-Amino-2(1H)-pyrimidinone; DTXSID4044456; NSC-27787; 8J337D1HZY

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Monohydrate: Lustrous solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]. Molecular formula: C4H5N3O. Molecular weight: 111.10 g/mol. Melting point: > 300 °C. Solubility: 8.0 mg/mL. Vapor pressure: 0.00109 [mmHg]. LogP: -1.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point> 300 °C
Molecular Weight111.10
Solubility8.0 mg/mL
AppearanceMonohydrate: Lustrous solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Cytosine
Formula C4H5N3O
CAS Number 71-30-7
Molecular Weight 111.10
Synonyms 6-amino-1H-pyrimidin-2-one; 71-30-7; 4-Amino-2-hydroxypyrimidine; 4-aminopyrimidin-2(1H)-one; Cytosinimine; 2(1H)-Pyrimidinone, 4-amino-; 4-Amino-2(1H)-pyrimidinone; DTXSID4044456; NSC-27787; 8J337D1HZY

Frequently Asked Questions

Cytosine is an aminopyrimidine that is pyrimidin-2-one having the amino group located at position 4. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a pyrimidine nucleobase, a pyrimidone and an aminopyrimidine.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.