Violuric

Violuric acid, also known as dioxomalonamide or 5-hydroxyisoxazole-3-carboxamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H3NO4. It is a derivative of barbituric acid, differing by the replacement of one carbonyl oxygen with a hydroxyl group. Violuric acid is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is a relatively weak acid.

Historically, violuric acid was synthesized in the mid-19th century. It has been investigated for its chelating properties, meaning it can form stable complexes with metal ions. This characteristic has led to its use in analytical chemistry for the detection and quantification of certain metals. Additionally, violuric acid and its derivatives have been explored for potential applications in medicinal chemistry, although widespread therapeutic use has not been established.

The synthesis of violuric acid typically involves the condensation of diethyl malonate with urea followed by nitrosation and hydrolysis. Its chemical structure features an isoxazole ring with carbonyl and hydroxyl functionalities, contributing to its reactivity and complexation abilities. Research continues to explore its properties and potential applications in various scientific fields.