2hydroxypyrimidine

2-Hydroxypyrimidine, also known as 2-pyrimidinol or uracil, is a pyrimidine derivative with the chemical formula C4H4N2O. It is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. Structurally, it consists of a six-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3, and a hydroxyl group attached to the carbon at position 2. 2-Hydroxypyrimidine exists in tautomeric forms, with the keto form (uracil) being more prevalent in physiological conditions.

This compound is a fundamental component of nucleic acids, specifically ribonucleic acid (RNA), where it pairs with adenine. In DNA, uracil is typically replaced by thymine. Uracil plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and genetic information transfer. It can be synthesized through various chemical pathways, and it is also found naturally in living organisms. Its chemical properties, including its ability to form hydrogen bonds, are essential for its biological functions. The study of 2-hydroxypyrimidine and its derivatives is important in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry.