FAQ

Deazaflavin is a structural analog of flavin cofactors, belonging to the field of organic chemistry. Its core characteristic is the substitution of one or more nitrogen atoms in natural flavin molecules (such as riboflavin or flavin mononucleotide, FMN) with carbon atoms. For example, 5-deazaflavin is a derivative where the N5 position in the flavin ring is replaced with a carbon atom (C5).

Chemical Structure

• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₇N₃O₂ (or C₁₁H₁₁N₃O₂, depending on substituents).
• Appearance: Light yellow powder.
• Purity: Commonly available in 98% or 99% purity grades.

Functions and Applications

1. Biological Activity:
   • Anti-Aging and Cell Protection: Certain deazaflavin derivatives (e.g., TND1128) exhibit notable anti-aging and cell-protective effects by neutralizing free radicals, reducing cellular damage, and enhancing antioxidant capacity.
   • Photocatalysis: Deazaflavin can be engineered into efficient reductive photocatalysts, leveraging internal heavy-atom effects to enhance key reaction steps.
2. Medical and Nutritional Uses:
   • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Utilized in the synthesis of drugs targeting oxidative stress and metabolic disorders.
   • Dietary Supplements: Explored for its potential in supporting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.
3. Research and Development:
   • Enzyme Activation: Studies indicate its role in activating enzymes like nitroreductases, which are involved in redox reactions critical for cellular health.
   • Antioxidant Mechanisms: Deazaflavin’s ability to modulate free radical levels makes it a focus in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease research.

Safety and Considerations

• Toxicity: Limited data on human toxicity; requires further evaluation for safety in dietary or pharmaceutical applications.
• Storage: Should be stored at room temperature in sealed containers to maintain stability.