Adenine (CAS 73-24-5) is one of the two purine nucleobases (the other being guanine) used in forming the nucleotides of nucleic acids. As a fundamental building block of DNA and RNA, adenine plays a critical role in storing and transmitting genetic information. This comprehensive guide explores the properties, applications, safety considerations, and market significance of adenine.

What is Adenine?

Adenine (化学名称: 6-氨基嘌呤) is a purine nucleobase with the molecular formula C5H5N5 and a molecular weight of 135.13 g/mol. It is one of the four nucleobases in nucleic acids, pairing with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. Adenine is also known by several synonyms including:

• 6-Aminopurine
• Vitamin B4
• 1H-Purin-6-amine
• Ade
• Leuco-4

This essential compound is naturally occurring and can be found in all living organisms, where it serves as a fundamental component of genetic material and energy currency molecules.

Chemical Properties of Adenine

Adenine exhibits several key physical and chemical characteristics that make it valuable in various applications:

• Erscheinungsbild: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Schmelzpunkt: 360-365°C (decomposes)
• Löslichkeit: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in hot water
• pH-Wert: Neutral to slightly basic
• Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic system

Adenine consists of a purine ring system with an amino group (-NH2) attached at the 6-position. This structure allows adenine to form specific hydrogen bonds with complementary nucleobases:

• In DNA: Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds
• In RNA: Adenine pairs with uracil via two hydrogen bonds

This base pairing is fundamental to the double helix structure of DNA and the various functions of RNA in protein synthesis.

Biological Significance

Adenine is an essential component of DNA and RNA, the molecules that carry genetic information in all living organisms. In DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine, while in RNA it pairs with uracil. This specific pairing is known as Chargaff’s rules and is crucial for DNA replication and RNA transcription.

Beyond its role in genetic material, adenine is also a key component of several important biomolecules:

• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy currency of cells
• NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Essential coenzyme in metabolic reactions
• FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide): Important coenzyme in cellular respiration
• cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate): Important second messenger in cell signaling

Adenine serves numerous biochemical functions:

• Energy Transfer: ATP, built on an adenine backbone, transfers chemical energy within cells
• Enzyme Co-factors: Many essential enzymes use NAD+ and FAD, which contain adenine
• Cell Signaling: cAMP serves as a critical secondary messenger
• Genetic Code: Part of the triplet codon system that specifies amino acids

Applications and Uses

In the pharmaceutical sector, adenine and its derivatives have important applications:

• Antiviral Agents: Adenine analogs are used in antiviral medications
• Cancer Research: 2,8-dihydroxyadenine accumulation studies help understand certain metabolic conditions
• Cardiovascular Drugs: Adenine derivatives are explored for cardiovascular applications
• Nutritional Supplements: Sometimes marketed as Vitamin B4 supplements

• Molecular Biology: Used as a component in PCR and other DNA/RNA techniques
• Biochemical Reagents: Essential reagent in laboratories
• Drug Development: Building block for developing new therapeutic agents
• Nutrient Media: Component of cell culture media

• Adhesives: Used in certain adhesive formulations
• Analytical Reagents: Standard in chemical analysis
• Membrane Technology: Recent research shows adenine’s effectiveness in fabricating high-performance proton exchange membranes for wastewater treatment

Sicherheit und Handhabung

According to safety data from major chemical suppliers:

• Akute Toxizität: May be harmful if swallowed (Category 4)
• Irritation: May cause skin and eye irritation
• Flammability: Not highly flammable under standard conditions

When working with adenine:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, goggles, and lab coat
• Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood
• Lagerung: Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials
• Inhalation: Avoid breathing dust or vapors
• Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly after handling

Chemical Specifications

CAS-Nummer	73-24-5
Molekulare Formel	C5H5N5
Molekulargewicht	135.13 g/mol
Erscheinungsbild	Weißes bis gebrochen-weißes kristallines Pulver
Schmelzpunkt	360-365°C (decomposes)
Löslichkeit	Slightly soluble in water
Klassifizierung	API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)

Frequently Asked Questions

Adenine is a nucleobase (the base component), while adenosine is adenine attached to a sugar molecule (ribose). When adenosine is phosphorylated, it becomes AMP, ADP, and ATP – the energy currency molecules.

Adenine is one of the four DNA bases and pairs specifically with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This base pairing is essential for maintaining the double helix structure and ensuring accurate DNA replication.

Historically, adenine was referred to as Vitamin B4, but it is not officially classified as a vitamin. Unlike true vitamins, adenine can be synthesized by the human body and is not an essential dietary nutrient.

Adenine is found in various foods including meat (especially organ meats), fish, beans, peas, and certain vegetables. It is naturally present in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in all living organisms.

While ATP is the primary energy molecule in cells, oral adenine supplements are not typically used to boost energy. The body synthesizes adenine as needed, and energy metabolism depends on the complete ATP cycle rather than dietary adenine intake.

Market Significance

The global adenine market is driven by several factors:

• Pharmaceutical Growth: Increasing demand for antiviral and anticancer drugs
• Biotechnology Expansion: Growing use in molecular biology and genetic research
• Research Applications: Continuous demand for biochemical reagents
• Nutritional Supplements: Consumer interest in nucleotide supplements

Schlussfolgerung

Adenine (CAS 73-24-5) is a fundamental molecule in biochemistry and molecular biology. As a purine nucleobase essential for DNA and RNA structure, it forms the foundation of genetic information storage and transfer. Beyond its role in genetics, adenine serves as the backbone for critical energy molecules like ATP, NAD, and FAD.

Its applications span pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, and industrial sectors, making it a commercially important compound. With ongoing research into its derivatives and applications, adenine continues to be a molecule of significant scientific and commercial interest.

Whether you’re researching genetic mechanisms, developing pharmaceutical compounds, or seeking biochemical reagents, adenine offers essential functionality backed by decades of scientific understanding.

Keywords: Adenine, CAS 73-24-5, nucleobase, purine, DNA, RNA, ATP, molecular biology, biochemical reagent, pharmaceutical ingredients