Title: N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea

CAS Registry Number: 759-73-9

Additional Names: N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea; ENU

Molecular Formula: C3H7N3O2

Molecular Weight: 117.11

Percent Composition: C 30.77%, H 6.02%, N 35.88%, O 27.32%

Line Formula: C2H5N(NO)CONH2

Literature References: Potent mouse mutagen. Prepn: E. A. Werner, J. Chem. Soc. 115, 1093 (1919); F. Arndt, H. Scholz, Angew. Chem. 46, 47 (1933). Carcinogenicity studies: M. F. Rajewsky, R. Goth, Mol. Base Malig., Sel. Pap. Int. Symp. 1976, 2. Mutagenicity studies: W. L. Russell et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 16, 5818 (1979). Toxicity studies: H. Druckrey et al., Nature 210, 1378 (1966).

Properties: Pale buff-yellow, hexagonal plates, mp 103-104°. LD50 i.v. in rats: 240 mg/kg (Druckrey).

Melting point: mp 103-104°

Toxicity data: LD50 i.v. in rats: 240 mg/kg (Druckrey)

CAUTION: This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-201.

Use: Exptlly as mutagen; ethylating agent.