1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole: Properties, Uses & FAQs

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole is a nitroimidazole heterocyclic compound bearing methyl substituents at the 1- and 4-positions and a nitro group at the 5-position, widely used as a synthetic intermediate and reference standard in pharmaceutical and chemical research.

Chemical Name

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole

SKU

D695953

Compound Class

Nitroimidazole heterocycle

Key Functional Groups

Nitro group (–NO₂), imidazole ring, N-methyl and C-methyl substituents

Typical Application

Synthetic intermediate, pharmaceutical reference standard, chemical biology research

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

What Is 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole?

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole is a member of the nitroimidazole family of heterocyclic organic compounds. The imidazole ring system consists of a five-membered aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3. In this specific derivative, a methyl group is attached to the ring nitrogen at position 1 (N-methyl), a second methyl group is attached at carbon-4, and an electron-withdrawing nitro group (–NO₂) occupies the 5-position.

Nitroimidazole compounds are of broad interest in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry. The nitro group confers useful reactivity and, in relevant biological contexts, can undergo bioreductive activation. This compound serves as a well-defined synthetic building block and analytical reference standard for researchers working with nitroimidazole scaffolds.

Physicochemical Properties & Structure

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole possesses a planar, aromatic imidazole core that contributes to its stability. The two methyl groups influence both the electronic distribution around the ring and the compound's solubility profile. The electron-withdrawing nitro group at C-5 lowers the electron density of the ring, affecting reactivity toward electrophiles and nucleophiles.

The compound is expected to be a solid at room temperature, consistent with other low-molecular-weight methylnitroimidazoles. Researchers should consult the product's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific for confirmed purity, melting point, and spectroscopic data specific to each production lot.

Note: Specific numerical physicochemical data (exact molecular weight, melting point, solubility values) are not reproduced here without verified sourcing; please refer to the product CoA or SDS available on the Aladdin Scientific product page for SKU D695953.

Research Applications & Synthetic Utility

Nitroimidazoles as a compound class have a well-established history in medicinal chemistry, serving as scaffolds for antiprotozoal and antibacterial agents. 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole, with its defined substitution pattern, is used primarily as a synthetic intermediate in the construction of more complex nitroimidazole-containing target molecules, and as a reference standard for analytical method development, metabolite identification, and purity testing.

In chemical biology, nitroimidazole derivatives have been explored as hypoxia-sensitive probes due to the bioreductive reactivity of the nitro group under low-oxygen conditions. Researchers designing such probes may use well-defined model compounds like 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole to benchmark synthetic routes or validate analytical assays.

This reagent is suitable for use in organic synthesis, method validation, and as a starting material or comparator compound in structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies involving imidazole-based pharmacophores.

Handling, Storage & Safety Considerations

As with all nitroimidazole compounds and nitro-containing organic substances, appropriate laboratory safety precautions should be followed when handling 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole. Researchers should review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific (available on the product page for SKU D695953) before use.

General handling guidance:

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coat, gloves, and eye protection.
• Handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Storage: Store according to the conditions specified on the product label and CoA. Nitroimidazole derivatives are typically stored in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and reducing agents. Confirm specific storage temperature requirements from the Aladdin Scientific product page.

Disclaimer: All specific hazard classifications and GHS pictograms should be taken from the official SDS for SKU D695953. Do not rely solely on general guidance.

Ordering & Product Quality Information

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU D695953. Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting purity and key characterization data. Researchers requiring specific purity grades or custom pack sizes are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team.

For procurement inquiries, volume pricing, or institutional purchasing agreements, please visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact the sales team directly. Returns, refunds, and shipping policies are governed by Aladdin Scientific's standard terms and conditions, available on the website.

If you need a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or additional regulatory documentation for compliance purposes, these documents can be downloaded from the product page or requested from customer service.

Frequently asked questions

What is 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole used for in research?

1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole is primarily used as a synthetic intermediate in the preparation of more complex nitroimidazole-containing molecules and as a reference standard for analytical method development and purity testing. It is also employed in structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies involving imidazole-based pharmacophores.

How should 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole be stored?

This compound should be stored according to the conditions specified on the product label and Certificate of Analysis provided by Aladdin Scientific. Generally, nitroimidazole derivatives are kept in a cool, dry, dark location away from strong oxidizers and reducing agents. Please consult the SDS for SKU D695953 for precise storage temperature and handling requirements.

What safety precautions are needed when handling 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole?

Appropriate PPE including lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection should be worn. The compound should be handled in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure. Researchers must review the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for SKU D695953 available from Aladdin Scientific before use, as it contains authoritative hazard classifications and first-aid measures.

How do I confirm the purity of the 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole I receive?

Each lot of 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole (SKU D695953) from Aladdin Scientific is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that documents the purity and key analytical data for that specific batch. The CoA can also be downloaded from the Aladdin Scientific product page or requested from customer service.

Is 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole suitable as a hypoxia probe precursor?

Nitroimidazole compounds, including derivatives like 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole, are of interest in hypoxia imaging and sensing research because the nitro group can undergo bioreductive activation under low-oxygen conditions. This compound may serve as a model or synthetic precursor for hypoxia-sensitive probe development, though specific suitability depends on the experimental design. Researchers should evaluate the published literature on nitroimidazole-based hypoxia probes for guidance.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Product Page: 1,4-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole, SKU D695953. Aladdin Scientific official website.
2. Textbook reference: Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry – Imidazoles and Nitroimidazoles. General physicochemical and reactivity principles of nitroimidazole compounds.
3. General review: Nitroimidazole scaffolds in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology – hypoxia probes and antiprotozoal agents. General literature reference, specific citation not sourced from supplied material.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.