DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenol)

Description:  2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), C6H4N2O5, is a cellular metabolic poison. It uncouples oxidative phosphorylation by carrying protons across the mitochondrial membrane, leading to a rapid consumption of energy without generation of ATP.  Dinitrophenols as a class of compounds, of which there are six members, do not occur naturally but are all manufactured compounds.

 

2,4-Dinitrophenol is a yellow, crystalline solid that has a sweet, musty odor. It sublimes when carefully heated and is volatile with steam. It is soluble in water (sparingly) (its crystalline sodium salts are also soluble in water), cold water (sparingly), ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform, pyridine, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, alcohol, benzene, and aqueous alkaline solutions (Merck, 1989). It forms explosive salts with alkalies and ammonia, and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition (Sax, 1989). It is incompatible with heavy metals and their compounds.

 

Chemical name: DNP

 

Chem. Abstr. Name: 2,4-Dinitrophenol

 

Molecular Weight:  184.108g/mol

 

Molecular Structure: C₆H₄N₂O₅

 

CAS Number:  51-28-5

 

Merck Index Number:  11, 7236

Metabolism:
 
Excretion: Urine
 
Elimination Half Life: 36 hours