(±)Amethopterin hydrate
(±)-Amethopterin hydrate, identified by CAS number 60388-53-6 (anhydrous) and the chemical formula C20H22N8O5 · xH2O, is a potent anticancer agent and a folic acid antagonist. With a molecular weight of 454.44 (anhydrous basis), this yellow to yellow-orange powder inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking the production of tetrahydrofolate cofactors essential for thymidine generation. It is primarily utilized in cancer research and cell biology studies.
- IUPAC
- 4-Amino-10-methylfolic acid,DL-4-Amino-N10-methylpteroylglutamic acid,MTX,Methylaminopterin
- Synonyms
- 4-Amino-10-methylfolic acidDL-4-Amino-N10-methylpteroylglutamic acidMTXMethylaminopterin
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Anticancer Research
Amethopterin is employed as a potent cytotoxic agent in cancer research. It acts by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, a critical enzyme in folate metabolism, thereby blocking DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in cancerous cells.
Cell Biology Studies
This compound serves as a valuable tool in cell biology for investigating DNA synthesis pathways and cell cycle regulation. Its mechanism of action, related to folate metabolism, makes it useful for understanding cellular responses to antimetabolites.
Biochemical Investigations
Amethopterin hydrate is used in biochemical studies to explore the role of folate cofactors and dihydrofolate reductase in various metabolic processes, including nucleotide biosynthesis.
| Molecular weight | 454.44 (anhydrous basis) |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C20H22N8O5 · xH2O |
| Assay | ≥95% |
| Form | powder |
| Colour | yellow to yellow with an orange cast |
| Solubility | H2O: insolubleNaOH: soluble (minimal amount of 0.1 N NaOH to solubilize, then dilute in neutral buffer or saline) |
| Storage temperature | −20°C |
| Application | Amethopterin is a folic acid antagonist and potent anticancer agent. Amethopterin blocks DNA synthesis by preventing the production of tetrahydrofolate cofactors which are required to make thymidine. Amethopterin is actively transported into cells by the folate transporter where it is converted to a high molecular weight polyglutamate metabolite by folylpolyglutamate synthase, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. |


Hazard statements
- H301Toxic if swallowed
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H360May damage fertility or the unborn child
Precautionary statements
- P201Obtain special instructions before use
- P301IF SWALLOWED
- P305IF IN EYES
- P308IF exposed or concerned
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, Faceshields, full-face particle respirator type N100 (US), Gloves, respirator cartridge type N100 (US), type P1 (EN143) respirator filter, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges |
|---|---|
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 1544 6.1/PG 2 |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | T |
| Risk statements (R) | 61-25-36/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 53-26-36/37-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Gene Information | human ... DHFRP1(573971), FPGS(2356), SLC19A1(6573), TYMS(7298)mouse ... Dhfr(13361)rat ... Dhfr(24312) |
|---|
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is (±)-Amethopterin hydrate used for?
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(±)-Amethopterin hydrate is utilized as a potent anticancer agent and folic acid antagonist in research settings, particularly in cancer research and cell biology studies, for its role in inhibiting DNA synthesis.
What is the CAS number and chemical formula for (±)-Amethopterin hydrate?
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The CAS number for the anhydrous form is 60388-53-6, and the chemical formula is C20H22N8O5 · xH2O.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies (±)-Amethopterin hydrate with an assay of ≥95%. This product is intended for research and laboratory use, and TSS does not represent it as USP, BP, or EP grade.
How should (±)-Amethopterin hydrate be handled safely?
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(±)-Amethopterin hydrate is classified as Danger and requires careful handling. It is toxic if swallowed and causes skin and serious eye irritation. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including eyeshields, gloves, and a suitable respirator, must be used. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling.
How is (±)-Amethopterin hydrate shipped and exported?
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This chemical is shipped and exported according to international regulations for hazardous materials, identified under UN 1544 with hazard class 6.1 and packing group II. For specific shipping and export inquiries, please contact our sales department.
How can I request a sample or quote for (±)-Amethopterin hydrate?
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To request a sample or a quote for (±)-Amethopterin hydrate, please contact the Tech Serve Solutions sales team through our website or by phone, providing the product name and CAS number (60388-53-6).
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