3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine, Methyl-d3

3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine, Methyl-d3 (also known as AZT) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is used by the virus to replicate its genetic material. AZT is a nucleoside analogue, which means it mimics the structure of a natural nucleoside (in this case, thymidine) and is incorporated into the viral DNA during replication. However, unlike thymidine, AZT lacks a 3'-hydroxyl group, preventing further elongation of the DNA chain and ultimately inhibiting viral replication. AZT is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 267.27 g/mol. Its chemical formula is C10H13N5O4 and it has a melting point of 136-140°C. AZT is soluble in water and ethanol, but not in chloroform or ether. Methyl-d3 refers to the deuterium atoms that have been substituted for hydrogen atoms at specific positions in the AZT molecule. This labeling is useful for studying the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of AZT in biological systems, as it allows researchers to track the fate of the drug in vivo. Overall, AZT is an important medication in the treatment of HIV and AIDS, and its chemical properties make it a useful tool for studying the mechanisms of antiviral drugs.