5-iodouracil

**5-Iodouracil** is a halogenated derivative of uracil belonging to the class of organic compounds known as halopyrimidines. It consists of a uracil molecule with an iodine atom substituted at the 5-position. This compound is primarily used in research settings and has not been approved for clinical use. Mechanistically, it acts as an antimetabolite by interfering with nucleic acid synthesis due to its structural similarity to uracil and thymine. It has been studied for its potential antiviral properties (inhibiting viral replication) and in oncology research for its ability to disrupt DNA/RNA processes in tumor cells. Additionally, it serves as a biochemical tool for probing DNA/RNA interactions and is used as a building block in pharmaceutical development[1][3][5].

Other names

2,4-dihydroxy-5-iodopyrimidineuracil, 5-iodo-5-iodo-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione5-iodo-2,4-dihydroxypyrimidine