U

Uracil

IUPAC: 1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione

C4H4N2O2 Organic Compounds CAS 66-22-8
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H4N2O2
CAS Number66-22-8
Molecular Weight112.09
Melting Point338 °C
Solubility3600 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceSolid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Also Known As1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione; 66-22-8; pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione; 2,4(1H,3H)-Pyrimidinedione; Pyrod; Hybar X; 2,4-Dioxopyrimidine; Pirod; 2,4-Pyrimidinedione; 1H-Pyrimidine-2,4-dione
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Uracil?

Uracil is a common and naturally occurring pyrimidine nucleobase in which the pyrimidine ring is substituted with two oxo groups at positions 2 and 4. Found in RNA, it base pairs with adenine and replaces thymine during DNA transcription. It has a role as a prodrug, an allergen, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and a Daphnia magna metabolite. It is a pyrimidine nucleobase and a pyrimidone. It is a tautomer of a (4S)-4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one.

Formula & Notation

C4H4N2O2

IUPAC Name: 1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: 1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione; 66-22-8; pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione; 2,4(1H,3H)-Pyrimidinedione; Pyrod; Hybar X; 2,4-Dioxopyrimidine; Pirod; 2,4-Pyrimidinedione; 1H-Pyrimidine-2,4-dione

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]. Molecular formula: C4H4N2O2. Molecular weight: 112.09 g/mol. Melting point: 338 °C. Solubility: 3600 mg/L (at 25 °C). LogP: -1.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point338 °C
Molecular Weight112.09
Solubility3600 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceSolid; [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 Uracil
Formula C4H4N2O2
CAS Number 66-22-8
Molecular Weight 112.09
Synonyms 1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione; 66-22-8; pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione; 2,4(1H,3H)-Pyrimidinedione; Pyrod; Hybar X; 2,4-Dioxopyrimidine; Pirod; 2,4-Pyrimidinedione; 1H-Pyrimidine-2,4-dione

Frequently Asked Questions

Uracil is a common and naturally occurring pyrimidine nucleobase in which the pyrimidine ring is substituted with two oxo groups at positions 2 and 4. Found in RNA, it base pairs with adenine and replaces thymine during DNA transcription. It has a role as a prodrug, an allergen, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and a Daphnia magna metabolite. It is a pyrimidine nucleobase and a pyrimidone. It is a tautomer of a (4S)-4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one.

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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.