3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole

3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole[1]
Identifiers
Abbreviations 3-AT
CAS number 61-82-5 Y
ChemSpider 1577 Y
UNII ZF80H5GXUF Y
EC number 200-521-5
KEGG C11261 Y
ChEBI CHEBI:40036 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL232801 Y
RTECS number XZ3850000
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C2H4N4
Molar mass 84.08
Density 1.138 g/mol
Melting point

157 - 159 °C

Solubility in water 280 gm/liter
Hazards
R-phrases R48/22 R51/53 R63
S-phrases (S2) S13 S36/37 S61
Flash point Nonflammable
 Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) is a heterocyclic organic compound that consists of a 1,2,4-triazole substituted with an amino group.

3-AT is a competitive inhibitor of the product of the HIS3 gene, imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase.[2] Imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase is an enzyme catalysing the sixth step of histidine production.[3]

3-AT is also is a nonselective systemic triazole herbicide used on nonfood croplands to control annual grasses and broadleaf and aquatic weeds. It is not used on food crops because of its carcinogenic properties. As an herbicide, it is known as aminotriazole, amitrole or amitrol.

Amitrol was included in a biocide ban proposed by the Swedish Chemicals Agency [4] and approved by the European Parliament on January 13, 2009.[5]

Exploits

By applying 3-AT to a yeast cell culture which is dependent upon a plasmid containing HIS3 to produce histidine (i.e. its own HIS3 analogue is not present or nonfunctional), an increased level of HIS3 expression is required in order for the yeast cell to survive. This has proved useful in various two-hybrid system, where a high affinity binding between two proteins (i.e., higher expression of the HIS3 gene) will allow the yeast cell to survive in media containing higher concentrations of 3-AT. Of course this selection process is performed using selective media, containing no histidine.

1959 cranberry contamination

On November 9, 1959, the secretary of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Arthur S. Flemming announced that some of the 1959 crop was tainted with traces of the herbicide aminotriazole [6]. The market for cranberries collapsed and growers lost millions of dollars.

References

  1. ^ EXTOXNET - Herbicide fact sheet for amitrole
  2. ^ Joung, J. K., E. I. Ramm and C. O. Pabo (2000). "A bacterial two-hybrid selection system for studying protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 97(13): 7382-7.
  3. ^ Yeastgenome.org
  4. ^ "Interpretation of criteria for approval of active substances in the proposed EU plant protection regulation". Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI). 2008-09-23. http://www.kemi.se/templates/News____5415.aspx. Retrieved 2009-01-14. 
  5. ^ "MEPs approve pesticides legislation". 2009-01-13. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/066-45937-012-01-03-911-20090112IPR45936-12-01-2009-2009-false/default_en.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-14. 
  6. ^ New York Times website - Opinion section