5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) is an analog of thymidine, and can be incorporated into the newly synthesized DNA of replicating cells (S-phase cells). BrdU is a commonly used in the detection of proliferating cells in living tissues. It works by substituting for thymidine during DNA replication and incorporating itself into the newly synthesized DNA (during S-phase). Antibodies specific for BrdU can then be used to detect the incorporated chemical, thus indicating cells that were actively replicating their DNA. Because BrdU can replace thymidine during the S phase of cell division, it can cause mutations. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is also used to prepare dNTP-BrdU solution for UV cross-linking of proteins to nucleic acids and to prepare complete MEM-10-Brdu or MEM-20-Brdu for vaccinia virus stock cultures.

Synonyms:
5-Bromo-2’-deoxyuridine; 5-BrdU; 2’-Deoxy-5-bromorouridine; (+)-5-Bromo-1-[(2R,4S,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]pyrimidine-2,4-dione; Bromodeoxyuridine; Broxuridine; NSC 38297

CAS No:
59-14-3

Molecular Formula:
C9H11BrN2O5

Molecular Weight:
307.10

Appearance:
White to off white, crystalline or powder

Purity (HPLC):
≥98%

UV Content (on dry basis):
≥97%

Ratio of Absorbances (pH2):
0.47-0.53 (A250/A260)
1.87-1.93 (A280/A260)
1.45-1.55 (A290/A260)

Melting Point:
~187-189°C

Specific Rotation (C=1%, H2O):
+23.0°

Water (KF):
≤1%

Solubility:
Soluble in 0.1N NaOH and DMF, sparingly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and acetone, practically insoluble in ether

RNase:
None Detected

DNase:
None Detected

Protease:
None Detected

Endotoxin:
≤0.5EU/mg