The Safety of Pyrimidine, 2-chloro-5-fluoro-4-methyl- (9CI)

The 9CI (9-Chloro-2-methyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrimidine-1,4-dione) molecule is widely used in the chemical industry, particularly in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and chemical intermediates.
Despite its widespread use, there are concerns about the safety of this compound, especially with regards to its potential toxicity and carcinogenicity.
In this article, we will explore the properties of 9CI, its use in the chemical industry, and the safety concerns associated with its use.

Properties of 9CI

9CI is a white crystalline solid with a high melting point and good thermal stability.
It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile, but insoluble in water.
Its molecular formula is C8H7ClFN2O3, and its molecular weight is 213.
6 g/mol.
It is a potential mutagen and carcinogen, and its toxicity is associated with its ability to induce oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Uses in Chemical Industry

9CI is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of APIs and chemical intermediates.
It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.
Its versatility and stability make it a valuable building block in the chemical industry.

Safety Concerns

Despite its usefulness in the chemical industry, there are concerns about the safety of 9CI.
Studies have shown that it is a potential mutagen and carcinogen, and chronic exposure to the compound can lead to oxidative stress and DNA damage.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified 9CI as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B), based on evidence of its carcinogenicity in animals.

Furthermore, 9CI has been shown to induce genotoxicity, as it is capable of damaging DNA and causing mutations.
It is also able to disrupt cellular homeostasis, leading to decreased cell survival and increased cell death.
These effects can be particularly dangerous for workers in the chemical industry who are exposed to high levels of the compound over extended periods of time.

Regulatory Action

In light of these safety concerns, several regulatory agencies have taken action to limit the use of 9CI.
In Europe, it is listed in Annex I of the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD) and must be labelled with the signal words "Danger" and "Warning".
In the United States, it is listed as a Category 2 carcinogen under the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations.

In addition, the European Union has proposed to classify 9CI as a Category 3 carcinogen under the DPD, which would result in stricter regulations and restrictions on its use.
These actions are aimed at protecting workers in the chemical industry and the general public from the potential harm caused by 9CI.

Conclusion

9CI is a valuable building block in the chemical industry, but its potential toxicity and carcinogenicity have raised concerns about its safety.
Studies have shown that chronic exposure to the compound can lead to oxidative stress and DNA damage, and it is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the IARC.
Several regulatory agencies have taken action to limit its use, and it is important that workers in the chemical industry take appropriate safety measures to protect themselves from the potential harm caused by 9CI.
As the chemical industry continues to develop and evolve, it is essential that the safety of all compounds is rigorously evaluated to ensure the well-being of workers and the public.