C6H4N4O2

C6H4N4O2 is the chemical formula for a molecule composed of six carbon atoms, four nitrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. This formula is shared by several isomers, compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. One prominent isomer with this formula is uric acid, a well-known biological compound. Uric acid is a heterocyclic organic compound, meaning its rings contain atoms other than carbon. It is a diprotic acid, capable of donating two protons.

Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism in many animals, including humans. Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds essential for life, found in DNA and RNA. The breakdown of purines leads to the formation of uric acid. In humans and other primates, uric acid is excreted in the urine. However, in most other mammals, an enzyme called uricase converts uric acid into a more soluble compound called allantoin.

The concentration of uric acid in the blood is important. High levels, known as hyperuricemia, can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints, causing a painful condition called gout. Conversely, very low levels can also indicate certain medical conditions. Uric acid also plays a role as an antioxidant in the body. Other isomers of C6H4N4O2 exist, each with distinct chemical properties and potential applications, though uric acid is the most commonly encountered and studied.