Guanine

C₅H₅N₅O

IUPAC: 2-Amino-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one

CAS: 73-40-5

Overview

Guanine is a purine nucleobase that pairs with cytosine in both DNA and RNA through three hydrogen bonds. It was first isolated from guano (bat droppings) in 1844, giving it its name. Its crystalline form produces the iridescent sheen seen in fish scales.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 5 1.0080
Carbon C 5 12.0110
Nitrogen N 5 14.0070
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×5
3.3%
C
Carbon ×5
39.7%
N
Nitrogen ×5
46.3%
O
Oxygen ×1
10.6%

Uses

  • • DNA/RNA base pair component
  • • GTP energy molecule
  • • Pearlescent cosmetics (from fish scales)
  • • Biochemistry research

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The shimmer in some lipsticks and nail polishes comes from guanine crystals extracted from fish scales

Safety

  • ⚠ Low toxicity

Structure

SMILES

C1=NC2=C(N1)C(=O)NC(=N2)N

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
151.13 g/mol
Density
2.2000 g/cm³
Melting Point
360.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
151.0494
XLogP
-1.1
TPSA
96.2 Ų
H-Bond Donors
3
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
11
Complexity
225.0

Also Known As

Guanine

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guanine?
Guanine (C₅H₅N₅O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Amino-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one.
What is the molecular weight of Guanine?
Guanine has a molar mass of 151.127 g/mol.
What state is Guanine at room temperature?
Guanine is a solid at room temperature.
Is Guanine organic or inorganic?
Guanine is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Guanine?
Guanine (C₅H₅N₅O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).