N4-Benzoylcytosine BP EP USP Pharma Grade stands as a specialized organic compound recognized for its essential role as a raw material in advanced pharmaceutical synthesis. The chemical structure forms the intersection between cytosine, a primary nucleobase in DNA, and a benzoyl group at the N4 position, tailored to meet the standards outlined by major pharmacopeias including BP, EP, and USP. This compound holds significance thanks to its defined purity, traceability, and compliance, offering assurance for drug manufacturers and research chemists. In practice, controlled characteristics and comprehensive documentation support its use in formulation, where the risk of impurities must be kept minimal.
At the molecular level, N4-Benzoylcytosine carries the formula C12H9N3O2, with a precise molecular weight of 227.22 g/mol. The core structure features a pyrimidine ring system conjugated to a benzoyl group through an amide bond, which automatically alters its solubility and reactivity compared to unprotected cytosine. X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic reports confirm its configuration, with aromatic protons from the benzoyl substituent showing up distinctly, providing an easy analytical signature for verification by thin-layer chromatography or HPLC. This molecular design increases hydrophobic surface area, which sometimes benefits downstream reactions where selectivity or differential solubility in organic solvents becomes necessary.
N4-Benzoylcytosine typically appears as a solid, white to off-white crystalline powder. Some lots may exhibit a pearly sheen as light scatters across larger crystals, especially after recrystallization. The density typically measures around 1.4 g/cm³, falling well within the expected range for substituted nucleobases, and bulk samples tend to pack efficiently, further supporting scale-up and handling. As raw material for pharma applications, batch-to-batch comparison points out its consistent melting range, usually 171–174°C. Solubility in polar protic solvents such as water stays limited, but increased dissolution appears in dimethylformamide and hot ethanol, a property experienced during reaction work-ups and purification routines. With robust powder flow, pouring and weighing become manageable in a GMP environment, supporting process repeatability and worker safety.
Trade and logistics for N4-Benzoylcytosine depend on correct classification under the Harmonized System (HS) code. Most customs authorities use code 29349900 for chemically modified nucleic acid components, ensuring predictable import/export fees and compliance checks. Pharmaceutical-grade batches come with extensive documentation, including certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets, and full traceability down to the raw materials and synthesis steps. As a GMP-compliant raw material, lots must pass rigorous identity, purity, and residual solvent analysis. GMP manufacturing, audit trails, and proper HS labeling not only reduce risk to supply chains but also facilitate transparent communication with regulators or customs officials internationally.
Experience in the lab confirms that the packed powder remains free-flowing, helping with measurements at both pilot and production scale. The absence of large agglomerates means the compound resists caking, reducing time lost to pre-processing. With specific density at about 1.4 g/cm³, volumetric dosing devices can be calibrated for reproducible fills, meeting both small-batch research and high-throughput drug development needs. On contact with ambient air, the powder remains stable for extended periods provided it is shielded from moisture and high temperatures. Product lifecycle management relies on this stability for transporting samples over long distances, bypassing the need for refrigerated containers except in rare cases of extended transit through humid climates.
Though primarily marketed as a powder, N4-Benzoylcytosine can occasionally be supplied as small flakes or larger crystals, determined by specific crystallization protocols at the end of synthetic production. Reconstitution as a solution, particularly at pharmaceutical scale, often calls for a cautious approach: dissolution in sterile, filtered solvents such as DMSO, ethanol, or buffered aqueous solutions gives uniform concentration, especially when upstream reactions require exact stoichiometry. My experience with solid-to-solution conversions has taught the importance of agitation rate and temperature, which need to align with supplier data to avoid partial dissolution and loss of yield.
Safe handling remains a priority, guided by chemical hazard assessments and employee training. N4-Benzoylcytosine does not register as acutely toxic under standard oral, dermal, or inhalation routes based on available safety data sheets; nevertheless, as with all non-food chemicals, direct ingestion or contact should be avoided. Gloves, lab coats, dust masks, and local exhaust ventilation protect staff from accidental exposure. Measurement and transfer usually avoid open-air pouring in order to prevent fine dust generation, limiting potential inhalation. Proper waste management keeps spills and residues away from public water systems, while periodic reviews of safety protocols ensure that up-to-date practices govern all handling, storage, and shipping operations.
This compound sees routine use in medicine manufacturing, nucleotide chemistry, and as a protected intermediate for further nucleic acid modifications. Collecting feedback from process chemists and operators helps identify pain points during application: improvements in particle size uniformity and enhanced solubility profiles could further streamline downstream integration. Suppliers can partner with pharmaceutical sites to refine crystal engineering, minimizing dust while balancing dissolvability, which shortens cycle times and reduces solvent consumption. In my experience, these kinds of targeted upgrades boost both lab morale and bottom-line output.
Traceable raw materials reduce the margin for error at every stage of the drug supply chain. Sourcing from manufacturers who track incoming key chemicals and operate within cleanroom-certified plants keeps the door open for regulatory inspection while boosting user confidence. As sustainability pressures mount, process intensification strategies—like solvent recycling and waste minimization—offer additional value while easing environmental impact. When pharmaceutical buyers and chemical suppliers work closely, shared investment in cleaner production pays off not just for profit margins, but for the communities and patients who count on these active agents staying safe and available.