CAS 6296-42-0: N-(2-Chloroethyl)urea

2-Chloroethylurea is a potent inducer of protein synthesis. It denatures proteins and, in the presence of benzyl groups, can form chloroacetaldehyde and benzaldehyde. 2-Chloroethylurea has been shown to cause mitochondrial membrane potential changes and to affect biological properties such as amino function. Animal experiments have shown that it is a potent inhibitor of particle growth, but 2-chloroethylurea does not inhibit the growth of bacteria. The chlorine atom in this molecule is responsible for its toxic effects on the bronchial epithelium in humans, which may be due to its ability to induce DNA damage or oxidative stress.