Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in chloroform; soluble in diluted hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solutions.
Chemical Properties
Stability: Stable. Light-sensitive. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidants and strong bases.
pH Value: 4.3-5.3 (10g/l, H2O, 20°C)
Refractive Index: 1.542
Biological Activity
Mechanism of Action: 5-Fluorouracil is a DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitor that irreversibly inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), interfering with nucleotide synthesis. It also converts to active metabolites FUTP and FdUTP, inducing RNA and DNA damage, respectively.
Cell Cycle Effects: It primarily acts on cells in the S phase of the cell cycle but also has effects on cells in other phases.
Antitumor Activity: 5-Fluorouracil has been used to treat various cancers, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer. It enhances the antitumor activity when combined with thymidine.
Applications
Therapeutic Use: As an antineoplastic agent, 5-Fluorouracil is used in the treatment of multiple cancers, including gastric cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and liver cancer.
Research Use: It is also used in scientific research for studying its mechanisms of action, antitumor activity, and interactions with other drugs.
