Long before molecular biology sped up research in pharmaceuticals, chemists in the early 1900s explored heterocyclic compounds with open-minded curiosity. Among these emerged imidazole derivatives – a family recognized for their versatility in both lab experiments and practical applications. 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, a tiny yet mighty molecule, came into sharper focus in the 1950s. Initially, researchers hoped to learn more about purine biosynthesis, a pathway crucial for DNA, RNA, and energy-related biological processes. As the years rolled on, scientists unraveled the link between this compound and its analogs (like AICAR), recognizing the role it played not just as an intermediate, but as a tool for probing cellular energy sensors, especially AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Lab benches everywhere started to welcome this compound, not just as a lab curiosity but as an essential component for unlocking life’s complex, biochemical puzzles.
5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide shows up in many chemistry catalogs today. Its profile fits research labs, especially those focusing on biochemistry, pharmacology, and organic synthesis. This compound often comes as a crystalline powder, sometimes paired with hydrochloride salt for improved solubility. Reliable suppliers list both analytical and technical grades, giving researchers confidence that material quality won’t derail an experiment. Each order usually brings detailed Certificates of Analysis, reflecting traceability and quality standards. Handling instructions highlight the need for precision, which isn’t surprising given the molecule’s responsiveness under both acidic and basic conditions.
The physical world rarely glosses over minor changes, and this stands true for 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide. This molecule has the formula C4H6N4O, giving it a modest molecular weight of about 126.12 grams per mole. Its crystalline nature gives it a relatively firm white to off-white appearance in the lab. Melting points land around 210–215°C, which matters when researchers seek purification or analyze stability. Chemically, the imidazole ring often draws attention for its high tautomeric flexibility and potential for hydrogen bonding. Thanks to the amino and carboxamide groups, this molecule absorbs and donates electrons with surprising agility during reactions.
Ordering 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide isn’t just about asking for a white powder. Labs track batch numbers, manufacturer names, purity percentage (sometimes above 98%), storage temperature (usually under 8°C), and packaging size. Labels specify CAS Number 61-23-4, which helps cut out confusion with similar molecules. Product information from reputable suppliers reveals detailed technical sheets, tracking physical constants, and giving guidance on moisture content, residual solvents, and residual heavy metals. Lab teams look for these specifics every time, since any variability can influence experimental repeatability and accuracy.
Synthetically, making 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide usually draws on formylglycine derivatives or starts with glyoxal and guanidine salts in stepwise reactions. Commercial routes often favor scalable processes, using robust reagents such as cyanamide or amidinocyanide with formamide and logically sequenced cyclization steps. The aim here? High yield, minimal byproducts, and easy isolation of the final product. After reaction completion, crystallization pulls the compound from solution, giving chemists a way to purify and characterize the resulting crystals with high-performance liquid chromatography and melting point verification. Process optimization continues as demand grows, pushing chemists to squeeze out every gram of product while meeting strict purity and safety requirements.
Modifying this molecule opens whole new chapters of research. Its amino and carboxamide functionalities serve as hotspots for substitution, alkylation, and acylation. Nucleophilic attacks at these reactive sites allow creative synthetic chemists to add protecting groups, construct nucleoside analogs, or couple the compound with other pharmacophores. In medicinal chemistry, these modifications sometimes lead to potent enzyme inhibitors or diagnostic probes. Oxidation, reduction, and cyclization reactions further expand the chemical toolkit, offering countless offshoots for exploring biological pathways or material properties.
Not all chemistry happens with a single name on the bottle. This molecule gets listed under several aliases, including AICA, AICA base, 5-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, and 4-Carbamoyl-5-aminoimidazole. Each is tied to the same core skeleton but may show up if a supplier stocks nucleoside forms such as AICAR (with ribose). Laboratories tracking global literature know to search for these synonyms to sweep up past findings and avoid missing crucial research, even if product catalogs or regulatory forms use different nomenclature.
Safety data sheets for 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide generally caution users about inhalation and skin contact, given that sensitivity reactions sometimes show up in workers. Standard protective measures – gloves, eye protection, and lab coats – stay on whenever the compound leaves its container. Waste byproducts from synthesis and modification require proper disposal in line with chemical regulations and local laws. Spills get contained quickly to keep bench areas free from contamination. Inventory checks matter, since expired materials might degrade, introducing uncertain risks or experimental variables.
Lab teams make good use of this compound, especially in biochemistry and pharmacology. Researchers often use it as a precursor for generating AICAR, a metabolic intermediate for purine biosynthesis studies. In metabolic research, its capacity to activate AMPK gives valuable insight into diseases ranging from Type 2 diabetes to cancer. Pharmaceutical development projects use its structure as a launchpad for synthesizing drug candidates targeting nucleotide synthesis or metabolic disorders. Assays using radio-tagged or modified versions track everything from enzyme activity to cell proliferation. Some researchers move beyond health applications, experimenting with this molecule for agricultural stress tolerance and even material science investigations.
Beyond routine laboratory analysis, research explores countless branches set off by 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide. In university labs and biotech ventures, graduate students and postdocs run projects examining the compound’s chemistry and biological effects. Major pharmaceutical firms leverage high-throughput screening to identify derivatives that shift metabolic pathways sympathetically. Basic science research leans on its ability to mimic purine intermediates, shedding light on ancient evolutionary patterns as well as modern disease mechanisms. Each breakthrough feeds another, sometimes inspiring new patent filings or clinical studies that test derivatives in preclinical animal models.
Toxicology work surrounds every chemical with both practical concerns and broader implications. Animal models reveal that high levels of 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide or its analogs may lead to metabolic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, or off-target effects in cellular respiration. These outcomes often depend on dose and exposure duration. In most academic studies, careful dosing protocols and analytical tracking keep risk profiles manageable. Human exposure info remains limited, apart from controlled or accidental lab scenarios, but ongoing toxicology screens help researchers set safe handling standards and identify potentially harmful breakdown products. Regulatory authorities in the European Union and North America flag the compound for good laboratory practice controls, but haven’t listed it as a high-risk chemical for common research use.
Interest in 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide keeps rising, driven by health research that probes ever deeper into cellular energy balance and disease resistance. Pharmaceutical developers continue looking for smarter, more targeted ways to engage the AMPK pathway, which could open doors to treatments for metabolic syndromes, certain cancers, and rare genetic disorders. Technology improvements in high-throughput synthesis and computational modeling may speed up discovery of novel derivatives. Startups and public agencies tend to prioritize these avenues, convinced that the unknowns hold solutions to some of medicine’s oldest puzzles. Environmental scientists speculate about its utility for studying stress responses in crops or for bioremediation applications, banking on its resilience and adaptability. For someone who started in basic academic labs, it’s encouraging to see a chemical once considered routine take on a starring role in so many new research stories.
5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide often shows up in research papers, especially those exploring cell metabolism and energy pathways. The chemical catches the attention of scientists for a simple reason—it forms a backbone in the synthesis of both purines and nucleotides which fuel genetic activity in cells. From what I’ve seen in the lab, people lean on this compound’s versatility and reactivity. It’s not just for textbook examples; the applications reach deep into modern medicine and biotechnology.
This molecule has a starring role in the production of some antiviral drugs and even steps up in cancer research. Researchers use it as a building block to create analogs—modified compounds that often become new drug candidates. My work with teams developing novel therapeutics made it clear: small tweaks to a molecule like this can deliver huge shifts in how new medicines react inside the body.
One of the most recognized areas where this compound shines involves its phosphate form. Scientists often talk about AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), which isn’t the same as the parent compound but is made from it. AICAR activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a protein that controls cellular energy management. AMPK stirs up interest among diabetes and obesity researchers. I remember one paper showing how tinkering with AMPK in mouse cells improved insulin sensitivity, hinting at treatments for metabolic syndrome. This all traces back to starting chemistry with 5-amino imidazole-4-carboxamide.
I’ve watched as more groups picked up this compound for drug development projects, particularly antivirals. Since the structure fits nicely into the framework that viruses use to replicate, tweaking the molecule allows chemists to block that replication. In academic circles, it’s common knowledge that purine analogs have led to breakthroughs in areas like leukemia. I’ve even heard from researchers in biotech start-ups who rely on this chemistry to chase new therapies for rare diseases.
Despite all the excitement, nobody ignores the usual issues with chemicals like this. Sourcing, purity, and safety pose barriers. Chemists sometimes spend days purifying enough of it before the rest of the work can even begin. From what I’ve dealt with, small companies and university labs especially feel the pinch. Without stable supply chains, progress can slow to a crawl.
Better funding support for chemical synthesis infrastructure might help the situation. Streamlining the production and sharing of compounds between labs could speed up the hunt for new drugs. Investing in open-access synthesis protocols would mean more people could get their hands on research-quality material. That collective effort, in my opinion, would spark more discoveries beyond big-name research groups or pharmaceutical giants.
5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide often begins as a lab curiosity and quickly grows into a crucial ingredient for much larger ambitions. It links basic science with everyday health challenges—diabetes, cancer, viral infections. Over the years, experience shows that a single compound sometimes leads to entire generations of new treatments. If we keep supporting this kind of foundational chemistry, future advances in medicine stay within reach for everyone.
5-Amino imidazole-4-carboxamide, often called AIC or AICA, sounds more at home in a chemistry lab than on a kitchen table. This compound grabs the attention of researchers for its role in cell metabolism. In many scientific papers, it’s mentioned in the same breath as its more famous derivative, AICAR, which has earned a reputation in both exercise science and drug development.
People want to know if this compound is safe to consume, especially after seeing supplements and research chemicals pop up online. Sometimes new substances drift into the public eye thanks to a promise of better athletic performance or supposed health benefits. History shows that just because a molecule can trigger change inside a cell, it doesn’t mean it belongs in our bodies.
Scientists have tested AICA and its derivatives in animal models and isolated cell studies. Most research focuses on AICAR, which acts as a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase, a key regulator of energy. Some animal experiments suggest a boost in endurance and improved metabolic markers, sparking interest from athletes and biohackers. Still, there’s a world of difference between potential and reality.
Digging into published studies, direct evidence on the safety of 5-amino imidazole-4-carboxamide in humans falls short. There are scattered reports of short-term use of its derivatives in medical settings, mostly under strict supervision. Health agencies haven't approved it as a dietary supplement. Authorities track new substances that make bold claims but skip safety evidence. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists AICAR as a banned substance because of its potential to artificially boost performance, not because it’s proven safe for healthy individuals to take.
Whenever a compound shows metabolic effects in animals, people get curious about results in humans. Without proper human trials, the side effects remain a mystery. For example, unexpected changes in metabolism could lead to unwanted weight loss, kidney issues, or impact on heart rhythm. It’s easy to find stories on message boards where someone tries out a substance and reports “no issues.” That’s not the same as medical studies, which look for both common and rare side effects and track long-term use.
My own work in medical publishing taught me something about “breakthrough” products that push into new territory. The excitement often gets ahead of the facts. Lab results make headlines. Friends ask about ordering powders from obscure websites. Sometimes it takes years before researchers untangle how a compound affects organs like the liver or brain—by then, the internet sales pitch has moved on to the next substance.
Anyone looking to try research chemicals should slow down and look for real evidence. Instead of chasing short-term gains, it’s better to follow tested routes. Exercise, whole food nutrition, and regular health checkups have never been replaced by a miracle powder. If scientists get to the point where a compound like 5-amino imidazole-4-carboxamide is proven both effective and safe, doctors and regulators will support its use. Until then, uncertainty outweighs hope.
The best path involves transparency from companies and strong regulation from health authorities. New substances should undergo informed studies with real humans. All risks, from allergic reactions to long-term organ impacts, should be on the table. Those who care about health and safety can’t accept shortcuts.
5-Amino imidazole-4-carboxamide carries the molecular formula C4H6N4O. That short string of letters and numbers carries a whole world in it. If you walked into a working biochemistry lab and mentioned this compound, you’d probably find at least one researcher whose eyes light up. For good reason: this molecule plays a key role in the body and in research. Each letter in its formula represents a building block—carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen—linked in a pattern that gives rise to surprising possibilities.
In the world of genetics and metabolism, many processes depend on tiny interlocking parts. 5-Amino imidazole-4-carboxamide sits right in the thick of these processes. It forms part of the purine biosynthesis pathway, the means by which the body churns out adenine and guanine, the A and G in your DNA. Break this cycle, and lots of life processes grind to a halt. Over the years, scientists have paid close attention to how 5-Amino imidazole-4-carboxamide—or AICA, as you might hear in some papers—can be manipulated for both good and harm.
In practice, AICA and its derivatives show up in labs all over the world. Medical researchers rely on them as markers or tools for studying the energy regulation inside cells. For example, the related compound AICAR pushes cell metabolism, helping researchers unlock some mysteries of diabetes, aging, muscle endurance, and even cancer. Without that precise formula of C4H6N4O, these discoveries wouldn’t have moved forward. Years of studies confirm its role in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which controls how cells use their energy.
My own path crossed this molecule in the course of experimental biology. During a summer term, I loaded tubes with clear, almost invisible powders, yet knew we were fiddling with parts of the machinery that let athletes run harder, and let muscles repair themselves after a brutal workout. The formula C4H6N4O may not seem glamorous, but in the right hands, it opens new roads in treating obesity and metabolic syndrome. It’s no wizard’s magic, just a tight structure of carbon atoms in a five-membered ring, an amino group, and a carboxamide. Each part gives the compound its unique properties—both biologically active and chemically stable enough for research.
Like most chemicals used in research, purity and accessibility come into play. Labs working with AICA need to trust their suppliers, since a contamination or slightly off-ratio in even one element can send experiments off track or muddy data. The challenges don’t end there. As scientists move from bench to bedside, making drugs from such small molecules proves much harder in practice than in theory. Plenty of failures line the past attempts to turn this or related molecules into safe, effective medicine for common diseases.
More investment in both fundamental research and shared data could close those gaps. Partnerships between academic institutions and private industry have started to bridge the costly step between research and practical treatments. By paying close attention to what the molecular formula C4H6N4O tells us—and what real-world experiments show—we put scientific possibilities within reach for more people.
Everyone who’s spent time in a chemistry lab knows how important proper storage becomes when dealing with specialty compounds. 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, mostly found in research, isn’t something you leave on a shelf and forget. Small changes in temperature or moisture can alter its stability, ultimately affecting the results. From my years of working with reagents in tight, sometimes less-than-perfect conditions, I’ve seen how even minor lapses during storage lead to waste, risks, and headaches.
Humidity has a sneaky way of ruining chemicals. Open a poorly sealed container after a rainy week, you’ll spot clumps, discoloration, sometimes foul odors. 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide prefers dryness. Even laboratories with temperature control systems fall short if staff overlook those details. Using properly sealed glass vials, paired with strong desiccants like silica gel, protects the powder from ambient moisture. Refrigerator space, if you have it, works well, but don’t crowd it or store above 8°C for weeks—degradation creeps in. Ambient storerooms without AC become tricky in tropical zones; lab journals are filled with failed syntheses tied back to such slip-ups.
Light-sensitive chemicals make surprising changes in color and smell under UV. With 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, direct sunlight and fluorescent bulbs push this process along. We learned, sometimes the hard way, to use amber glass vials and tuck specimens away in closed cupboards. Staff education helps too. Newcomers rush to label and shelve things, but simple steps like wrapping a container in aluminum foil go a long way.
Store any compound, especially ones that risk change under mishandling, with proper labels. Permanent marker smudges, stickers peel off under cold. Investing in chemical-resistant media, noting the date and transfer history, keeps confusion down. Mislabeling accounts for more lost samples than almost any other lab mistake, in my experience.
Shared storage fridges or cabinets in busy labs court disaster. I’ve watched careless stacking lead to open vessels, accidental mixing, and more. Each batch of 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide deserves a dedicated, clean spot, in its own secondary sealing bag or container. Double-containment stops the slow seeping of vapors and physical transfer if a neighboring bottle fails or leaks.
Laws in the United States, Europe, and Asia reflect hard-earned lessons. Secure, locked storage for research chemicals isn’t just red tape—it’s about keeping untrained hands away. Tracking logs, disposal procedures, and access limits reflect real risks, not paperwork obsessions.
Beyond personal habits, organizations up their game by offering refresher courses for personnel, funding properly ventilated and climate-controlled storage rooms, and routine checks for deteriorating stock. This builds reliability and keeps costs lower by preventing ruined batches. Industry audits show a direct line between storage diligence and research quality.
The effort spent on careful preparation translates to greater safety, less waste, and more predictable outcomes. Whether training a new team member or double-checking my own stash, the attention given to something small like 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide pays off in the accuracy and repeatability of results. In science, that’s priceless.
5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, sometimes called AICAR, shows up in research labs more than on drug store shelves. Scientists have spent years digging into its use, especially because of its influence on cellular energy pathways. Given all the curiosity around its possible benefits, safety questions naturally pop up. People often look for a quick path to performance boosts or metabolic changes, but side effects can lurk beneath the surface. It pays to know what we’re dealing with before considering its use or even hailing it as the next big breakthrough.
My experience following breakthroughs in metabolic research reminds me that excitement often fades when real-world outcomes show up. With 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, feeling flushed, lightheaded, or sometimes even queasy stands among the more reported issues. Some of those who’ve used it noticed muscle cramps and fatigue—a cruel twist for anyone hoping to boost stamina or shed pounds. Reports from animal studies raise concerns over potential kidney or liver strain. AICAR tends to impact the body’s natural energy cycles, so not everyone responds in the same way. For those with underlying metabolic issues, the risks usually rise.
It’s not just about the discomfort of an upset stomach. Scientific publications flag possible problems with elevated uric acid levels, which in turn could spark gout or joint pain down the line. Heart rhythm changes and blood sugar swings have also been traced back to 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide in lab models. For anyone managing diabetes or heart disease, these risks look especially troubling. Once the body shifts into a different metabolic state through AMPK activation, some systems may go haywire. Unpredictable reactions rarely get the attention they deserve in media stories, but they matter most to those who are thinking seriously about health outcomes.
I’ve watched cases where athletes, drawn by the prospect of faster recovery, ended up facing medical setbacks instead. The compound's reputation in performance circles tells only part of the story. Without close supervision or quality-controlled dosing, users land in uncharted waters. Unregulated supplements often skip over ingredient purity, so what you think is AICAR might show up mixed with who-knows-what. Testing in humans still sits in early stages, leaving big gaps in everything from safe dose limits to long-term effects.
Turning to 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide for quick gains may sound tempting in today’s shortcut culture, but risks stack up fast. Anyone considering experimental compounds should start by talking with a trusted healthcare provider, especially if they juggle chronic conditions. Reliable screening, regular check-ins, and bloodwork protection always beat guesswork. Until researchers gather more answers through full-scale human studies, most health and sports professionals recommend staying cautious and focusing on evidence-backed choices for well-being and performance. Health doesn’t come down to one single shortcut or compound, no matter how much buzz it stirs up in scientific circles.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 5-amino-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide |
| Other names |
AIC 5-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide 4-Carboxamido-5-aminoimidazole 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide |
| Pronunciation | /faɪ-əˈmiːnoʊ ɪˌmɪdəˈzoʊl fɔːr ˌkɑːrˈbɒk.səˌmaɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 340-98-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide**: ``` CC1=NC=NC(N)=N1C(=O)N ``` This is the SMILES string: `NC1=NC=NC(N)=N1C(=O)N` for 5-Amino Imidazole-4-Carboxamide, which can be used to generate a 3D model in JSmol. |
| Beilstein Reference | 120889 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:16742 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1547 |
| ChemSpider | 1872 |
| DrugBank | DB06149 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 15b526c7-1a84-479a-82b7-4c606b8a5c6f |
| EC Number | 211-203-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82206 |
| KEGG | C00436 |
| MeSH | D017963 |
| PubChem CID | 38462 |
| RTECS number | UY8050000 |
| UNII | 5SRR0B3VRN |
| UN number | Not assigned |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | Q27135153 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H6N4O |
| Molar mass | 114.10 g/mol |
| Appearance | white to off-white solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.46 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | sparingly soluble |
| log P | -1.29 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.82E-7 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 5.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 6.95 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -60.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.800 |
| Dipole moment | 3.5 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 138.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -104.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1750 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N06BX09 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P302+P352, P308+P311, P321, P363, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 109.2°C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >1000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SY8560000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Imidazole 4-Carboxamide Imidazole 5-Aminoimidazole AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside |
