Chemistry moves fast, but furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione didn’t just show up overnight. Researchers first explored similar fused heterocycles while chasing new antibiotics and enzyme inhibitors back in the middle of the twentieth century. The rush often centered around pyrazine cores, since scientists recognized how certain ring systems react with biological targets. As labs tested analogs, a moment came when chemists found this exact dione nestled in synthetic byproducts, drawing new interest for its structure. By the 1990s, the structure–activity relationship took front stage, with advanced spectroscopy proving the backbone and signaling its possibilities. I remember sifting through old journals and noticing that momentum really picked up once better purification tools hit mainstream labs, allowing more precise handling of this molecule and its analogs.
Furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione hooks attention not just because of its dual-ring scaffold but for how it bridges classic pyrazine chemistry with modern drug design. Think of it as one of those rare cases where structure provides a foundation for broad utility: one heterocycle built onto another, two carbonyl groups popping off the core, all in a flat, aromatic arrangement. You’ll find it as a tan powder, sometimes yellow-tinted, pretty stable at room temperature and easy to store in sealed glass containers. A few companies make it custom for tech and pharma clients. And the pricing usually reflects the fact that it’s not in mass demand — at least, not yet.
Handling the powder, one notices it doesn’t smell much, not like other sulfur- or amino-rich building blocks. Expect a melting point hovering between 210°C and 230°C, depending on precise purity and trace solvents. Furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione’s molecular weight sits in the low 150s g/mol. Solubility shifts: pretty comfortable in polar aprotic solvents like DMSO and N,N-dimethylformamide, but almost insoluble in water. This hydrophobicity signals strong pi-pi stacking and helps explain why researchers see the molecule interacting well in docking models. LogP values push above 1, meaning cell membrane passage looks very possible. Chemically, the two dione groups open the door for nucleophilic additions and Michael-type reactions, which expands modification routes for medicinal chemists.
Lab-grade bottles bear long batch numbers and manufacturing dates. Reliable vendors keep HPLC purity above 98%, flagged on the certificate of analysis. Companies follow standard labeling practices under GHS: hazard statements warn about respiratory sensitization, even though the compound rarely volatilizes at standard temperature and pressure. Pack sizes run from milligram vials for screening up to multigram bottles for synthetic campaigns. Barcode systems now speed up reagent inventory management. Safety Data Sheets accompany every batch: those always deserve a read before attempting any scale-up or new formulation, as there’s scant human toxicity data and no workplace exposure guidelines so far.
The book route usually starts from 3,4-diaminofuran. Condense this with oxalyl chloride, driving cyclization, followed by controlled hydrolysis. Each step asks for meticulous monitoring; run it hot or skip the base wash, and yields plummet or side-products emerge. Purification typically goes through column chromatography, since crystallization isn’t predictable without pre-screening solvents. I’ve watched grad students wrestle with purity, their TLC trails painting a fading rainbow of intermediates. In high-throughput synthesis, solid-phase methods are under trial to crank out libraries of analogs. More sustainable methods get constant attention, trying to cut solvent waste and dodge costly reagent hazards.
Once on the bench, furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione behaves as a versatile platform for derivatization. The dione groups handle nucleophilic additions well, so adding amines and hydrazines offers a clear path to diversity. Metal-catalyzed couplings target the furan and pyrazine rings, though the wrong conditions wreck the aromatic system. Sulfonation, halogenation, and even nitration run under mild conditions when handled by skilled hands. Medicinal chemists attach various side chains to explore biological space, always checking that the core stays intact. Click chemistry and late-stage fluorination pop up in patent filings, hinting at how important subtle modifications have become in this field.
Catalogs and chemical abstracts throw around names like 2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofuro[3,4-b]pyrazine, or in less formal settings, just “dione-fused pyrazine-furan.” International suppliers sometimes add their own stock numbers or use an abbreviated FPF-dione. CAS Registry numbers — unique per distinct compound — become lifelines for traceability across regulatory and research landscapes. Awareness of alternative nomenclature matters, especially when searching digital databases or drafting procurement contracts. Confusion can kill a project before it even leaves the spreadsheet stage, which any R&D manager knows all too well.
Working with furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione in the lab, personal protective equipment earns its keep. Gloves—nitrile ones, since certain latex grades get chewed up by organic solvents. Standard eye protection is a must, given the dustiness of the material. Fume hoods handle both weighing and reaction setup, because even though the vapor pressure is low, accidental aerosols threaten lung health. Waste routes call for non-halogenated solvent bins, with collection logs maintained for regulatory audits. Fire risk remains low owing to the molecule’s limited volatility, but emergency spill protocols require immediate containment and reporting. Most university and pharma labs slot this compound as “single-use” for benchware, cutting cross-contamination risk down to almost nothing.
Medicinal chemistry leads adoption. This dione finds roles as an advanced precursor in small molecule oncology screens, targeting kinase-related pathways. Some groups pursue it for antimicrobial development, since fused nitrogen heterocycles disrupt bacterial enzyme function. Materials science trials involve the compound in organic semiconductors, since the fusion of aromatic rings can support ordered stacking and charge mobility. Fluorescent tagging also rises as a secondary application; by linking the dione to dye groups, researchers craft probes for bioimaging or diagnostics. Agricultural chemistry investigates derivatives as potential herbicides or antifeedants, although field trials remain rare. Even so, the core structure offers endless inspiration across chemical biology, catalysis development, and supramolecular chemistry exploration.
Academic and industry labs treat this scaffold as a golden opportunity for hit generation and optimization. Libraries built around the core go through high-throughput screening platforms, hoping to stumble on rare activity against tricky targets like multi-drug resistant bacteria. Structure-based design flourishes, with x-ray crystallography and NMR unraveling how the dione sits in enzyme binding pockets. Funding bodies now hedge bets on broader applications: research grants list furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione in programs tied to neglected diseases and next-gen battery electrolytes. Each publication and patent filing pushes interest higher, bringing attention to both the power and limits of this chemistry.
Reliable toxicity data remains thin, especially in mammals. Labs start with in vitro screens, showing low acute cytotoxicity against human cell lines at micromolar concentrations, but chronic effects need better study. Some analogs trigger cytochrome P450 inhibition, raising red flags if candidates progress toward clinical use. Environmental tests lack depth; the molecule doesn’t persist long in basic water or soil settings, thanks to rapid hydrolysis of the dione moiety. This offers a small measure of comfort, even if robust ecological assessments have yet to feature in the literature. Regulatory agencies urge getting strong data on mutagenicity and endocrine disruption before moving toward scale-up or market introduction. Those of us who watch chemical legislation know how crucial these early studies are, since a single overlooked hazard can block promising tech down the road.
Furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione stands at an inflection point. Drug discovery shops want more heterocycle diversity, and this scaffold slots neatly into fragment-based screening and combinatorial libraries. Sustainable chemistry trends drive inventors to look for easier, greener synthesis — think biocatalysis or flow reactors instead of batch reactions. Artificial intelligence pushes virtual screening, shining a spotlight on under-explored core systems like this one. Startups track its material science potential for organic electronics, test its stability, and hunt for scalable formulations. The next decade may lift the dione out of obscurity if safety and environmental impact stay within justified limits. By building trust through transparent data, collaborative research, and high-quality manufacturing standards, the global chemical community can unlock the real value of this intriguing molecule.
Furo[3,4-B]pyrazine-5,7-dione looks simple in name, but its structure tells a much richer story. This molecule blends a furan ring with a pyrazine backbone, topped off with two reactive dione groups. The backbone holds a six-membered ring made from furan (with its oxygen atom) fused to a pyrazine (two nitrogen atoms in a six-membered ring). This fusion twists the electronic properties of the overall system, making it a standout among aromatic heterocycles.
In practice, you’ve got an intricate framework. The furan moiety sits fused directly with the pyrazine, forming a condensed polycyclic system. Fusing two heterocycles leads to interesting chemistry. Take those two carbonyl (C=O) groups at positions 5 and 7. They add reactivity and allow this compound to act as an electron acceptor.
The full IUPAC name spells out the positions, but seeing it drawn out, you witness an aromatic arrangement that lets electrons move easily through the ring. This explains why similar heterocyclic systems often show up in drug discovery or materials science—properties like electron delocalization matter a lot when you want conductivity or biological activity.
Lab work always surprises me, especially with aromatic heterocycles like this one. Trying to tweak a molecule for better performance means paying attention to these little details. A fused furan and pyrazine isn’t just cute symmetry—it affects solubility, metabolism, and even how a compound bonds inside the body.
Chemists hunting for new medicines or electronic materials look for skeletons that shift electrons just right. Furo[3,4-B]pyrazine-5,7-dione points the way because the oxygen and nitrogen atoms powerfully tug and push electron clouds. In cancer research, structures like these appear in kinase inhibitors, and in electronics, their electron “hopping” supports organic transistor designs. What looks small on paper holds up big technologies in real life.
All that theory meets reality the first time you try to synthesize a scaffold like this. Oxygen and nitrogen atoms complicate synthesis routes—water, heat, and light might tear the ring apart if you don’t plan ahead. Process chemists often tinker with solvents, temperatures, and protective groups to make sure the delicate rings stay intact. Getting pure product takes experience and patience; a small contamination changes the whole activity profile.
Academic journals and patents fill up with new analogs of fused heterocycles. These compounds serve as a foundation for enzyme inhibitors, antioxidants, and organic semiconductors. The dione groups turn out useful: they react easily with nucleophiles, opening up endless possibilities for modifications.
Drawing and reading the structure in textbooks is only half the story. Turning theory into something practical calls for more open collaboration between chemists, biologists, and engineers. Sharper analytical tools, like NMR and X-ray crystallography, help us double-check the arrangement of atoms. Sharing data with wider groups—using open-source chemistry databases—pushes discovery forward.
Looking ahead, training the next generation of chemists not to fear complex names or fused rings matters. Breaking down the compound into understandable subunits builds confidence to tackle even larger challenges in pharma, electronics, and green chemistry.
My first encounters with new molecular scaffolds like Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione always spark a kind of chemical curiosity. Chemists prize compounds like this not just for their structure, but for the doors they can open in the world of research and real-world solutions. With a fused ring system and multiple active sites, Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione pushes into territory where medicinal and materials science overlap, offering something neither field can ignore.
Drug discovery teams always seem on the lookout for molecules with unique heterocyclic cores. Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione stands out for this very reason. Structure–activity relationship studies show these scaffolds interact in unusual ways with enzyme pockets. That often leads to improved selectivity or bioactivity. In practical drug discovery, the strong electron-withdrawing and donating features allow researchers to control pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability, which sits at the core of developing safe therapeutics.
Looking back at literature and industry research, it’s easy to see why this scaffold attracts attention for cancer and antiviral drug leads. Researchers value the molecule’s stability under physiological conditions and the way it supports easy substitution at various positions, letting medicinal chemists spin out dozens of analogues in the hunt for lead compounds. Think of the real-world impact here: early-stage molecules that show promise in lab studies can slash years off the regular drug pipeline if they offer strong binding and low off-target effects.
Beyond medicine, Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione shapes how scientists design new materials, especially when electronic properties count. The electron-rich nature of its rings—along with potential for π–π stacking—makes it a useful building block in organic semiconductors. I’ve spoken with polymer chemists who see great promise in using derivatives for thin film transistors, organic LEDs, and flexible solar cells. Reliability in electron transport comes down to molecular stability over time, a checkmark this compound passes with confidence.
Studies in advanced polymers report that introducing this moiety can boost conductivity without making the material brittle. If you work with devices that need to withstand cycles of bending or stress, these kinds of small changes in the polymer backbone make the difference between commercial success and lab-bound gadgets. Given the need for sustainable, lightweight materials in electronics, Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione is making inroads at the level of practical application, not just theoretical possibility.
The chemistry behind Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione looked tough at first glance, but modern synthetic routes have cracked old bottlenecks. Multi-step synthesis using microwave-assisted methods, green solvents, and catalytic cycles made a notable impact. I’ve followed academic groups who report step reductions and better yields, which translates into affordable scale-up for industry. Real accessibility means researchers aren’t priced out of experimenting with new analogues.
Despite these advances, bottlenecks remain. Environmental safety stays on everyone’s mind. Production steps sometimes generate hard-to-handle byproducts or require specialized waste treatment that hikes up costs and slows research. Open-source synthesis protocols and shared waste recycling programs could push things forward and expand access even more. Tighter collaborations between academics and industry would speed up the translation from bench to business, giving a shot in the arm to emerging fields that rely on accessible, flexible molecular scaffolds.
Investing in training for young chemists, with a focus on sustainable synthesis and cross-disciplinary teamwork, would help keep the pipeline full—and make sure real progress finds its way into clinics and factories alike.
Chemical storage demands more than putting containers on the right shelf. Some compounds react to moisture; others break down in sunlight. Heat or cold can change their properties. Anyone who has spilled bleach on their hands or dealt with a leaking battery learns quickly—cutting corners comes back to bite.
I still remember a grad school mishap. A classmate failed to seal a bottle of acetone. By morning, not only did the lab smell like nail salons, but the solution was useless. That simple mistake cost hours of research. Over the years I learned, sometimes the risk is merely wasted supplies, but often it threatens health, data integrity, or costly equipment.
Clear labeling marks the start. Never trust a mystery container or a faded tag. Labels should state full chemical names, concentration, hazards, and expiration when possible. Color coding helps, but reading every label saves trouble.
Storage spaces must match the chemical’s needs. Acids can’t relax near bases. Oxidizers must remain far away from anything flammable. Flammable liquids—think ethers, alcohols—go into flame-proof cabinets with self-closing doors. Extra care goes into refrigeration. Not all chemicals want a fridge’s moisture or chill; some require dry, room-temperature cabinets to stay stable.
Ventilation ranks high, especially in tightly-sealed storage. Gases like ammonia or volatile liquids need regular airflow to prevent dangerous buildup. Emergencies teach fast: always keep spill kits, eye wash stations, and escape routes ready. Easy exits, clear aisles, and fire extinguishers save more than equipment when things go wrong.
According to OSHA, thousands of chemical exposures happen every year because of poor storage or sloppy handling. Improperly stored sodium azide, for example, triggered multiple incidents that required hospital care, not to mention closed facilities. The National Fire Protection Association points out that labs with organized and separated storage record fewer fires than those where supplies mix freely.
These incidents are more than statistics. In workplaces or schools without regular training and audits, small lapses slip through: a bottle returns to the wrong shelf, a cap cracks, someone opens a chemical near food. Over time, disaster inches closer.
Success depends on consistent habits. Daily checks spot leaks or container damage early. Smart teams log every chemical in and out. Training drills, not just paperwork, refresh memory in stress-tested conditions. I’ve seen seasoned researchers freeze under pressure—practicing responses beforehand keeps actions automatic when alarms ring.
Digital databases keep inventories tidy and speed up checks. Modern systems can track expiration dates and alert staff before trouble starts. Rolling out this tech, even in small labs or workshops, stops expired compounds from collecting dust until they start to cause harm.
A well-organized chemical store signals respect—for science, for colleagues, for personal health. The payoff isn’t just lower costs or peace of mind, but a safer, more productive environment. Anyone who ever took a shortcut, thinking it would save time, knows nothing slows you down like an accident. Every secure lid and sorted shelf speaks to careful, thoughtful work—the kind everyone deserves.
Anybody who’s ever worked in a university chemistry lab or helped place an order for a pharmaceutical research department knows how difficult it gets finding a rare compound in the purity needed for serious application. Furo[3,4-B]pyrazine-5,7-dione, for example, isn’t your typical reagent. It shows up in medicinal chemistry journals as a scaffold with real therapeutic potential. Before the first experiment can begin, someone has to answer the most basic, practical question: does a single purity grade fit all, or do suppliers offer choices?
Chemists constantly juggle tradeoffs around cost, convenience, and purity. Analytical procedures often require higher-purity samples, while early screening work can sometimes proceed with less purity so long as the intended signal isn't swamped by contaminants. Suppliers know this well. Merck and Sigma-Aldrich, two names with reliable supply chains, routinely stock multiple grades for classic reagents. Their lower-purity batches fill bulk needs for industry, while higher-purity lots cater to drug discovery or spectroscopic work.
Furo[3,4-B]pyrazine-5,7-dione rarely appears in such broad catalogs. Researchers end up reaching out to specialty suppliers, niche chemical catalogues, or custom synthesis firms for a quote. Some of those sources may specify grades as “95% min,” “98% pure,” or “analytical grade,” where the price climbs steeply with each boost in grade. Purity certification isn’t just about numbers. Reputable suppliers back up claims with HPLC, NMR, or mass spectrometry analyses—exactly what a peer-reviewed journal or regulatory inspector looks for.
Purity standards carry extra weight in synthesis and drug development. Minor contaminants in a chemical can ruin chromatography, poison a catalyst, or produce side effects in a screening trial. I’ve crossed off many cheap sources of rare building blocks after looking up their supporting documentation and seeing gaps in the certificates. Not every supplier spells out what “95%” means. I’ve seen “impurities” listed without breakdowns or exact structures—meaning the stakes stay real for folks working at the sharp end of discovery science.
Sometimes, only the “for research only” label appears, with no guarantee that a single batch stays within a tight spec. On the other hand, in regulated industries—think active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis—quality standards demand repeatable purity from lot to lot. Buyers will expect to see batch-specific certificates of analysis and supporting data. This level of consistency means a much higher price and less flexibility in sourcing.
Those hunting for Furo[3,4-B]pyrazine-5,7-dione in specific purity grades should always start by contacting multiple suppliers directly, laying out the application, and clearly stating the analytical needs. If the market feels thin, collaborating with contract research organizations or semi-custom synthesis shops opens doors to more precise grades—sometimes at a longer lead time or higher cost.
Documentation remains key. Any supplier serious about supplying innovative or niche molecules should provide detailed analytical data for each batch, not recycled blanket specs. If they can’t, it’s usually worth looking elsewhere—either for a better supplier or for a team ready to purify the compound in-house, which can make or break a project’s timeline.
Folks who’ve ever rushed through a lab setup or torn open a rust remover in the garage get it: cutting corners makes accidents far more likely. One hot summer, I grabbed a drain cleaner with bare hands “just for a second” and paid with a week of red, chapped skin. Gloves, I’d thought, were for delicate work—until I realized a product didn’t care about my sense of urgency. Over the years, I’ve seen coworkers and friends ignore warning labels because the job seemed simple or they “knew what they were doing.” Taking safety for granted creates its own risks.
Everyday products—from solvents and adhesives to cleaning agents—come loaded with safety symbols and instructions. That label holds information collected through years of research and real injuries. For example, products with high flammability pose threats if stored near open flames, even if the container looks sealed. Skin and eye irritants can linger in the air or on surfaces, invisible yet ready to cause damage. Allergic reactions or longer-term issues (like asthma) may follow a single unsafe exposure.
False confidence usually creeps in after handling the same product a few times without mishap. Rather than thinking we know better, it makes more sense to trust what the manufacturer and safety regulators have spent entire careers studying. According to the Centers for Disease Control, accidental poisonings frequently relate to improper handling of ordinary chemicals in the home or workplace.
I learned quickly that a simple set of habits offers the best protection. First, don’t leave containers open. Vapors can escape, making the air unsafe. Always use in a space with solid airflow—a stuffy basement or closed shed invites headaches and worse. If a window or door can open, do it. If not, a fan or exhaust system matters.
Gloves, goggles, and sometimes a face mask are not about paranoia, they’re necessary. Splashes happen fast. The cost of safety gear is far less than the cost of medical care. I keep a box of nitrile gloves and safety goggles within reach, and they’re easy to put on before opening anything unfamiliar. After finishing a job, soap and water can remove traces left on the skin. Washing up before eating or touching your face blocks harmful substances from entering your system.
Keep these products away from kids and pets. A high shelf or locked cabinet offers peace of mind. Don’t reuse containers—mix-ups can land household members in the emergency room.
Reading up on a new product only takes a few minutes, but those minutes matter. Manufacturers' websites, government health agencies, and even local hardware stores provide guides and data sheets. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) posts checklists that don’t require a chemistry degree to understand. Some workplaces hold safety trainings, but anyone can benefit from learning how products behave and what to expect during an accident.
Mistakes happen, but respect for the real risks makes them rarer. It only takes one surprise to turn a routine task into an emergency. Safety is not about being scared—it’s about having every job end well, no matter how big or small.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione |
| Other names |
6,8-Dioxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[3,4-b]pyrazine Furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione |
| Pronunciation | /ˈfjʊəroʊ θri, fɔr bi paɪˈræziːn faɪv ˌsɛvən daɪˈoʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3875-76-5 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D Structure; JSmol=CC1=NC2=C(O1)C(=O)NC(=O)N2` |
| Beilstein Reference | 169892 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:142155 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL416469 |
| ChemSpider | 110080 |
| DrugBank | **DB07241** |
| ECHA InfoCard | DTXSID5066627 |
| EC Number | EC 620-625-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 31967 |
| KEGG | C18768 |
| MeSH | D030017 |
| PubChem CID | 11087208 |
| RTECS number | CV5125000 |
| UNII | 97I3M3A7G8 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H2N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 164.110 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.7 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble in water |
| log P | -0.6 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 5.86 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.77 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -47.7·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.697 |
| Dipole moment | 3.6136 Debye |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 207.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -167.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -643.6 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | FC1=NC2=COC(=O)C=C2C(=O)N1 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 1-0-0 |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) : 350 mg/kg (Mouse, Oral) |
| NIOSH | NT0716889 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Furo[3,4-B]Pyrazine-5,7-Dione is not specifically established by OSHA or NIOSH. |
| REL (Recommended) | 30-35°C |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Benzoquinoxaline Furo[3,4-b]pyrazine Pyrazino[2,3-g]quinoxaline Pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine Quinoxaline |