2-Nitroimidazole is a chemical compound that has found relevance in everyday life due to its antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a key component in certain antibiotics and antifungal medications. This compound has proved effective in treating a variety of bacterial and fungal infections, making it a valuable tool in modern medicine. Additionally, 2-Nitroimidazole is also utilized in certain industrial processes, such as the synthesis of other important chemicals. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a crucial component in various aspects of everyday life, from healthcare to manufacturing.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
2-Nitroimidazole, a compound with a nitro functional group attached to an imidazole ring, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes due to its versatile reactivity. Additionally, 2-Nitroimidazole is utilized in the preparation of various metal complexes and coordination compounds for catalytic processes in industries such as fine chemicals and materials science.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, 2-Nitroimidazole exhibits potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a key component in the production of antimicrobial agents. This compound is particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria and parasites, making it a valuable drug in the treatment of infections caused by these microorganisms. Furthermore, 2-Nitroimidazole derivatives have shown promising results in the treatment of certain cancers due to their ability to selectively target hypoxic tumor cells.
Overall, 2-Nitroimidazole’s commercial and industrial significance lies in its role as a versatile building block for the synthesis of complex molecules in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials science applications. Its pharmacological properties also make it a valuable component in the development of antimicrobial agents and potential cancer therapeutics.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
2-Nitroimidazole is a solid compound that appears as a pale yellow powder with a slight odor. Its molecular formula is C3H3N3O3 and it has a molar mass of 129.07 g/mol. In comparison to common food items, 2-Nitroimidazole has a lower molar mass than substances like sugar (sucrose) and salt (sodium chloride), but higher than water.
The density of 2-Nitroimidazole is 1.64 g/cm³. When compared to common food items like olive oil and honey, 2-Nitroimidazole has a higher density. The melting point of 2-Nitroimidazole is approximately 200-205°C, while its boiling point is around 457°C. In comparison, common food items like butter and chocolate have lower melting points, and water has a lower boiling point.
2-Nitroimidazole is sparingly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 0.1 g/L at room temperature. It has a low viscosity, similar to that of water. In contrast, substances like sugar and honey are highly soluble in water, while oils like olive oil have higher viscosities.
🏭 Production & Procurement
2-Nitroimidazole is produced through a synthetic process that involves the nitration of imidazole with nitric acid. This procedure yields a crude product, which is then purified to isolate the desired 2-Nitroimidazole compound. Various techniques such as recrystallization or chromatography are commonly employed for purification.
Procuring 2-Nitroimidazole typically involves acquiring it from chemical suppliers that specialize in the production and distribution of fine chemicals. It can be purchased in various quantities based on the needs of the end user, ranging from grams to kilograms. Transportation of 2-Nitroimidazole is done through standard chemical shipping methods, ensuring proper labeling and safety precautions are taken to prevent any hazards during transit.
The shipping of 2-Nitroimidazole is subject to regulations stipulated by international transportation laws and guidelines, primarily focusing on the safe handling and containment of hazardous chemicals. It is essential to adhere to these regulations to prevent any potential risks or mishaps during transportation. Proper packaging and labeling are crucial aspects of ensuring the safe transport of 2-Nitroimidazole to its intended destination.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for 2-Nitroimidazole:
2-Nitroimidazole is a chemical compound that should be handled with caution due to its potential hazards. The compound is flammable and should be stored away from heat sources and open flames. It is also important to avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, as 2-Nitroimidazole can cause irritation or burns upon contact. When working with this compound, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats, to minimize the risk of exposure.
Hazard Statements for 2-Nitroimidazole:
Hazard statements for 2-Nitroimidazole include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These statements indicate the potential risks associated with contact with this chemical compound. It is important to take precautions to prevent skin and eye exposure when working with 2-Nitroimidazole to avoid adverse health effects.
Precautionary Statements for 2-Nitroimidazole:
Precautionary statements for 2-Nitroimidazole include “Wash hands thoroughly after handling” and “Wear protective gloves/eye protection.” These statements emphasize the importance of practicing good hygiene and using appropriate personal protective equipment when working with this compound. By following these precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of accidental exposure and minimize potential health hazards associated with 2-Nitroimidazole.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 2-Nitroimidazole lies in its applications as a hypoxia marker in medical imaging techniques. Studies could focus on optimizing its properties for enhanced detection of hypoxic regions in tumors for more effective cancer treatments.
Another avenue of exploration for 2-Nitroimidazole could be the development of new antimicrobial agents based on its chemical structure. Research efforts may center on synthesizing derivatives with improved antibacterial or antifungal activity, with potential applications in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections or fungal diseases.
Further studies could investigate the potential use of 2-Nitroimidazole as a precursor in the synthesis of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Researchers could explore its reactivity with different functional groups to create analogs with diverse pharmacological profiles, potentially leading to the discovery of new drug candidates for various medical conditions.
🧪 Related Compounds
1. 2-Nitroimidazole is a compound that contains a nitro group and an imidazole ring in its molecular structure. Similar compounds to 2-Nitroimidazole include 4-Nitroimidazole and 5-Nitroimidazole, which have the same imidazole ring but with the nitro group located at different positions on the ring. These compounds exhibit similar chemical properties due to the presence of the nitro group on the imidazole ring.
2. Another similar compound to 2-Nitroimidazole is Metronidazole, which is a nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Metronidazole contains a nitro group attached to an imidazole ring, similar to 2-Nitroimidazole. The presence of the nitro group gives Metronidazole its antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties.
3. Tinidazole is another compound related to 2-Nitroimidazole, which is also a nitroimidazole antibiotic used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Tinidazole contains a nitro group attached to an imidazole ring, similar to 2-Nitroimidazole and Metronidazole. The structural similarity of these compounds contributes to their similar mechanisms of action in treating infections.