Psoralen

Synonym(s):6,7-Furanocoumarin;7H-Furo[3,2-g]benzopyran-7-one;Ficusin;Furo[3,2-g]coumarin

CAS NO.：66-97-7
Empirical Formula: C11H6O3
Molecular Weight: 186.16
MDL number: MFCD00010520
EINECS: 200-639-7
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2024-08-21 22:41:43

What is Psoralen?

Chemical properties

Crystalline Solid

The Uses of Psoralen

Psoralens are phytoalexins; they are used by plants in a defensive response to attacks by fungi and insects. They have also shown photosensitizing and phototoxic effects in animals and humans and have been used in photochemotherapy for management of vitiligo, psoriasis, and mycosis fungoides. Used as photochemical probe in biological systems.

The Uses of Psoralen

Use as photochemical probe in biological systems

The Uses of Psoralen

As photochemical probe in biological systems: P.-S. Song, C.-N. Ou, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 346, 355 (1980).

What are the applications of Application

Psoralen is a photochemical probe in studies of DNA mutation and repair mechanisms

Definition

ChEBI: The simplest member of the class of psoralens that is 7H-furo[3,2-g]chromene having a keto group at position 7. It has been found in plants like Psoralea corylifolia and Ficus salicifolia.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 106, p. 6735, 1984 DOI: 10.1021/ja00334a044
Synthetic Communications, 37, p. 63, 2007 DOI: 10.1080/00397910600978093

Biochem/physiol Actions

Psoralen belongs to the linear type furanocoumarins. It intercalates and induces interstrand cross-links in DNA. On UV exposure psoralen is excited leading to irreversible intercalation with DNA by covalent bond formation. This property of psoralen ultraviolet A light (PUVA) is exploited in treating skin diseases and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, usage psoralen also leads to hepatotoxicity and cytotoxicity by the generation of psoralen photoproducts (POPs). It may be useful in treating osteoporosis

Properties of Psoralen

Melting point:	160-162 °C
Boiling point:	280.64°C (rough estimate)
Density	1.2477 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.6310 (estimate)
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Ethyl Acetate (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
form	neat
form	Solid
color	White to Off-White
Water Solubility	65.16mg/L(25 ºC)
λmax	328nm(EtOH)(lit.)
Merck	14,7928
BRN	152784
CAS DataBase Reference	66-97-7(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	7H-furo[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-7-one(66-97-7)

Safety information for Psoralen

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H317:Sensitisation, Skin
Precautionary Statement Codes	P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water.