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Antibiotics and anti-infectives

Acyclovir

Also known as Aciclovir, Acycloguanosine, 9-[(2-Hydroxyethoxy)methyl]guanine

CAS 59277-89-3Formula C8H11N5O3Molar mass 225.21 g/molEC 261-685-1
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 295 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Acyclovir chemical structure, C8H11N5O3, CAS 59277-89-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals from methanol
Melting point
256.5 to 257
Solubility
White crystalline powder. Maximum solubility in water (25 °C): >100 mg/mL /Acyclovir sod…
HS code
293359
Category
Antibiotics and anti-infectives
Illustrative photo, closed jumbo bulk bags in a warehouse in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Acyclovir?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Acyclovir is an oxopurine that is guanine substituted by a (2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl substituent at position 9. Used in the treatment of viral infections. It has a role as an antimetabolite and an antiviral drug. It is a member of 2-aminopurines and an oxopurine. It is functionally related to a guanine.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-amino-9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)-1H-purin-6-one
CAS number
59277-89-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC numbers
261-685-1, 631-369-1
Molecular formula
C8H11N5O3
UNII
X4HES1O11F
MDL number
MFCD00057880
InChIKey
MKUXAQIIEYXACX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H11N5O3/c9-8-11-6-5(7(15)12-8)10-3-13(6)4-16-2-1-14/h3,14H,1-2,4H2,(H3,9,11,12,15)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=NC2=C(N1COCCO)N=C(NC2=O)N

Synonyms

  • Aciclovir
  • Acycloguanosine
  • 9-[(2-Hydroxyethoxy)methyl]guanine
  • Virorax
  • Vipral
  • Wellcome-248U
  • Aciclovirum
  • Sitavig
  • Acicloftal
  • Cargosil
  • Gerpevir
  • Novirus
  • 2-amino-9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)-1H-purin-6-one
  • 9-((2-Hydroxyethoxy)methyl)guanine
  • Cyclovir
  • 2-Amino-1,9-dihydro-9-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-6H-purin-6-one
  • 2-Amino-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one
  • 2-Amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6H-purin-6-one
  • 6H-Purin-6-one, 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-
  • Avaclyr
  • 9-[(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-methyl]guanine
  • 2-amino-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6,9-dihydro-3H-purin-6-one
  • 6H-Purin-6-one, 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-
  • Aciclovirum (Latin)
  • 2-amino-9-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one
Show all 38 synonyms
  • 9-((2-Hydroxyethoxy)-methyl)guanine
  • Aclovir
  • Clearsore
  • Duvimex
  • Lipsore
  • Ranovir
  • Soothelip
  • Soraway
  • Viralief
  • Virasorb
  • Lypsyl
  • Avert
  • ViraxPuren

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Crystals from methanolexp.
Melting point
256.5 to 257exp.
Solubility
White crystalline powder. Maximum solubility in water (25 °C): >100 mg/mL /Acyclovir sodium salt/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
225.21 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
225.0862 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-1.33calc.
Topological polar surface area
119.1 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
3calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
6calc.
Rotatable bonds
4calc.
Heavy atoms
16calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
2calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.38calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=c1[nH]cnc2nc[nH]c12

O=c1[nH]cnc2nc[nH]c12

2 rings, 10 atoms, the Hypoxanthine ring system.

586 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Acyclovir suppliers

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All 295 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

295 suppliers in 48 countries

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Acyclovir price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Aciclovir is used intravenously in the treatment of severe initial and recurrent mucocutaneous infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus) in adults and children. It is also the drug of choice for treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis.

Therapeutic category (veterinary): Antiviral.

Antiviral Agents.

Industries and functions

Pharmacological actions

  • Antiviral Agents

Roles

  • anti-HIV agent
  • anti-HSV agent
  • antiinfective agent
  • antimetabolite
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antimicrobial drug
  • antiviral agent
  • antiviral drug
  • ophthalmology drug
  • pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Acyclovir is a Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor, and Herpes Zoster Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor, and Herpesvirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of acyclovir is as a DNA Polymerase Inhibitor.

How it is made

Guanine is alkylated with 2-(chloromethoxy)ethylbenzoate and the resulting ester hydrolyzed to the product.

Reaction of 2,6-dichloro-9-(2-benzoyloxyethoxymethyl) purine with methanolic ammonia, followed by treatment with nitrous acid and then with methanolic ammonia yields acyclovir.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Acyclovir is traded under.

HS 2933.59Indicative HS code

Compounds containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring, other

World exports in 2024
$18.4B
+10.5% vs 2023, imports $24.8B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Ireland43.6%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported26.3%
  3. China7.9%
Top importers
  1. Slovenia30.3%
  2. United States30.1%
  3. Germany15.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Acyclovir is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Acyclovir, based on the data on this page

What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is an oxopurine that is guanine substituted by a (2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl substituent at position 9. Used in the treatment of viral infections. It has a role as an antimetabolite and an antiviral drug. It is a member of 2-aminopurines and an oxopurine. It is functionally related to a guanine.

What is the CAS number of Acyclovir?

The CAS registry number of Acyclovir is 59277-89-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Acyclovir?

The molecular formula of Acyclovir is C8H11N5O3 and its molar mass is 225.21 g/mol.

What is Acyclovir used for?

Aciclovir is used intravenously in the treatment of severe initial and recurrent mucocutaneous infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus) in adults and children. It is also the drug of choice for treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis. Therapeutic category (veterinary): Antiviral.

Is Acyclovir hazardous?

Acyclovir carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is usually classified under HS code 293359 (Compounds containing a pyrimidine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) or piperazine ring…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Acyclovir?

CompoundList lists 295 suppliers of Acyclovir in China, United States, India, Germany and 44 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Acyclovir in India?

60 suppliers in India list Acyclovir on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Acyclovir?

Suppliers quote Acyclovir on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Acyclovir

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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