azodicarbonamide

Azodicarbonamide is a synthetic chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H4N4O2. It appears as a yellow to orange-red odorless crystalline powder. Azodicarbonamide is primarily used industrially as a blowing agent in the manufacture of foamed plastics and rubber products. In food processing—specifically bread making—it has been used as a flour whitening agent and dough conditioner to improve machinability and texture; this use is approved in some countries but banned or restricted in others due to health concerns[1][3][7]. Mechanistically, it acts as an oxidizing agent when used in baking[7]. In vitro studies have shown that it can decrease intracellular deoxyribonucleotide pools and **inhibit ribonucleotide reductase**; it also **inhibits HIV-1 by targeting nucleocapsid CCHC domains**. Azodicarbonamide was introduced into Phase I/II clinical trials for advanced AIDS (HIV infection) in Europe but remains primarily an industrial chemical rather than a pharmaceutical drug[3].

Other names

azobisformamide1,1'-azobis(formamide)1,1'-azobisformamideazobiscarboxamideazodicarboxylic acid diamide