Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is essential for many bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. In 1941, H. K. Mitchell and co-workers聽. In 1948, much work on folic acid was published, including the聽聽by J. H. Mowat and colleagues. Closely related methotrexate is an 鈥渁ntifolate鈥� that can be used to treat cancer, but it has toxic side effects. It is also used to treat some autoimmune diseases and to terminate pregnancy. The more recent, less toxic pemetrexed, another antifolate chemotherapy drug, was approved by the FDA in 2004.
MOTW update:
August 1, 2022
Methotrexate1 is an 鈥渁ntifolate鈥� medication used in cancer chemotherapy; but it has toxic side effects and must be closely monitored. Recently, Yaman G枚ksel and colleagues at the Technical Institute of Denmark (Lyngby) and other Danish institutions reported the development of a rapid, relatively inexpensive electrochemically assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy method for in a clinically relevant concentration range.
1. CAS Reg. No. 59-05-2.
, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!
If your favorite molecule is not in our聽archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!
Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve
Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.
