AICAR Molecular Weight: 258.23 g/mol, Formula, COA & HPLC Guide
AICAR molecular weight is an important technical specification for laboratories researching AICAR, also known as acadesine or AICA-riboside. For the parent AICAR compound, current chemical-reference and laboratory-product data identify a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol, molecular formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₅, and CAS number 2627-69-2.
Molecular weight is particularly useful when evaluating compound identity, interpreting mass-spectrometry results, reviewing certificates of analysis, comparing analytical standards, and developing laboratory methods.
This guide explains the molecular weight of AICAR, its chemical identifiers, analytical relevance, HPLC and LC-MS considerations, COA verification, and research-use quality considerations.
Research Use Only: This page is provided for laboratory research and analytical information. AICAR discussed here is not presented as a product for human consumption, self-administration, diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation, or prevention of disease.
AICAR Molecular Weight at a Glance
| Specification | AICAR |
|---|---|
| Common name | AICAR |
| Chemical name | Acadesine / AICA-riboside |
| CAS number | 2627-69-2 |
| Molecular formula | C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ |
| Molecular weight | 258.23 g/mol |
| Approximate molecular mass | 258.23 Da |
| Compound category | Nucleoside analog |
| Common analytical methods | HPLC, LC-MS, MS |
| Research relevance | Cellular signaling and biochemical research |
| Research designation | Laboratory research use only |
Sigma-Aldrich currently lists AICAR with the empirical formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₅, CAS 2627-69-2, molecular weight 258.23, and ≥98% HPLC assay for its referenced research product.
What Is AICAR?
AICAR is the commonly used abbreviation for 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside. It is also known as acadesine and AICA-riboside.
Chemically, AICAR is a nucleoside-related small molecule rather than a conventional peptide. This distinction is important for creating scientifically accurate product and SEO content.
AICAR has been widely used as a research compound in studies involving cellular energy signaling and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related pathways. Laboratory suppliers describe AICAR as a research compound and provide analytical specifications such as HPLC purity and molecular weight.
For SEO purposes, the phrase AICAR molecular weight has strong technical intent because researchers searching this term are often looking for a specific numerical specification rather than general information.
What Is the Molecular Weight of AICAR?
The molecular weight of AICAR is:
258.23 g/mol
The corresponding molecular formula is:
C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
The CAS Registry Number is:
2627-69-2
These specifications are consistently reported in current laboratory reference material. Sigma-Aldrich lists AICAR’s molecular weight as 258.23 and its formula as C₉H₁₄N₄O₅.
Quick answer
If a researcher asks:
“What is the molecular weight of AICAR?”
The concise answer is:
AICAR has a molecular weight of approximately 258.23 g/mol.
AICAR Molecular Weight in Da
Molecular weight may also be expressed using daltons (Da).
For AICAR:
258.23 g/mol ≈ 258.23 Da
These expressions describe the same relative molecular mass in commonly used chemical and analytical contexts.
Researchers working with mass spectrometry should, however, distinguish molecular weight from the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) displayed by an instrument.
An MS instrument does not necessarily display a neutral molecule’s molecular weight directly. Depending on ionization and charge state, the observed m/z value can differ from the neutral molecular mass.
This distinction is important when comparing an AICAR molecular-weight specification with an LC-MS or MS report.
AICAR Molecular Formula
The molecular formula for AICAR is:
C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
This indicates that the parent AICAR molecule contains:
- 9 carbon atoms
- 14 hydrogen atoms
- 4 nitrogen atoms
- 5 oxygen atoms
The formula is an important identity attribute and can be used alongside the CAS number and molecular weight when evaluating laboratory documentation.
AICAR’s current laboratory reference entry from Sigma-Aldrich identifies the compound with formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ and molecular weight 258.23.
AICAR CAS Number
The CAS number associated with AICAR/acadesine is:
2627-69-2
A CAS number provides a standardized chemical identifier that can help distinguish AICAR from compounds with similar names or related derivatives.
When evaluating research material, researchers can compare:
- Product name
- CAS number
- Molecular formula
- Molecular weight
- Analytical identity results
Using several identifiers together provides a stronger identity check than relying on the product name alone.
AICAR Molecular Weight vs. AICAR Phosphate
One important source of confusion is that AICAR and AICAR phosphate are not the same chemical entry.
The parent AICAR compound is listed at approximately 258.23 g/mol.
PubChem separately identifies AICAR phosphate with a molecular formula of C₉H₁₇N₄O₉P and molecular weight 356.23 g/mol.
Therefore, researchers should confirm exactly which chemical form is being referenced before comparing molecular-weight values.
Parent AICAR
- Formula: C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
- Molecular weight: 258.23 g/mol
- CAS: 2627-69-2
AICAR phosphate
- Formula: C₉H₁₇N₄O₉P
- Molecular weight: 356.23 g/mol
- Different chemical composition
This distinction is especially important when reviewing supplier catalogs, analytical standards, mass spectra, or certificates of analysis.
Why AICAR Molecular Weight Matters in Research
Molecular weight is more than a specification printed on a product page.
Researchers may use molecular-weight information when evaluating:
Compound identity
The expected molecular mass provides a reference point for analytical identification.
Mass spectrometry
Expected mass can be compared with experimentally observed mass or relevant m/z signals.
Analytical standards
Molecular weight can be required when preparing analytical calculations involving molar quantities.
Chemical documentation
Molecular weight helps distinguish the intended compound from related compounds or derivatives.
COA verification
A COA can list molecular weight alongside formula, identity testing, and purity information.
Research records
Accurate chemical specifications improve reproducibility and documentation.
AICAR Molecular Weight and Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is one of the most useful analytical techniques for examining molecular identity.
For AICAR, the expected neutral molecular weight is approximately 258.23 Da.
However, researchers should not assume that an MS instrument will simply display “258.23” as the principal peak.
Mass spectrometry commonly reports m/z, meaning mass-to-charge ratio.
The observed value can depend on:
- Ionization mode
- Charge state
- Adduct formation
- Instrument configuration
- Sample preparation
- Analytical method
Consequently, an MS report should be interpreted according to the method and expected ion species.
A good research COA can therefore pair molecular-weight information with an identity test rather than relying on the molecular-weight number alone.
AICAR HPLC and Molecular Weight
HPLC and molecular-weight information answer different analytical questions.
HPLC
HPLC primarily provides chromatographic separation and can be used to assess purity or characterize the sample.
Molecular weight
Molecular weight provides a chemical identity reference.
Mass spectrometry
MS can provide molecular-mass information supporting compound identity.
Combining these analytical approaches can create a more informative quality-control framework.
For example, a research record could contain:
AICAR → HPLC purity → LC-MS identity → molecular formula → molecular weight → lot number
This is much more informative than a generic statement such as “high purity AICAR.”
Sigma-Aldrich currently lists an AICAR research product with ≥98% HPLC assay and molecular weight 258.23.
AICAR Purity and Molecular Weight
AICAR purity and AICAR molecular weight are related quality concepts but should not be treated as interchangeable.
Molecular weight identifies a characteristic of the target compound.
Purity describes the proportion of the analyzed material attributed to the target under a specified analytical method.
For example:
Molecular weight: 258.23 g/mol
Purity: Determined by the stated analytical method, such as HPLC.
A compound can have the correct expected molecular weight while still requiring separate purity analysis.
Likewise, a high chromatographic purity result does not eliminate the need for identity confirmation.
For this reason, a comprehensive research-quality evaluation can consider both identity and purity.
AICAR COA and Molecular Weight
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is particularly useful when evaluating research material.
A well-documented AICAR COA may include:
- Product name
- CAS number
- Molecular formula
- Molecular weight
- Lot number
- Test date
- HPLC purity
- Identity testing
- Appearance
- Quantity
- Analytical method
- Testing laboratory
Researchers should verify that the molecular-weight information on a COA corresponds to the chemical form being tested.
This is especially important because AICAR derivatives or phosphorylated forms can have different molecular formulas and molecular weights.
COA checklist
Before relying on an AICAR COA, check:
- Does the product name match?
- Does the CAS number match?
- Does the formula match?
- Is the molecular weight consistent?
- Does the lot number match the supplied material?
- Is the analytical method identified?
- Is the test date provided?
- Are the actual results reported?
AICAR 50mg Molecular Weight
AICAR may be supplied in different research quantities, including 50mg configurations.
The quantity does not change the molecular weight.
Therefore:
AICAR 50mg → molecular weight remains approximately 258.23 g/mol.
The “50mg” designation describes the quantity of material, while 258.23 g/mol describes the molecular weight of the parent AICAR compound.
This distinction is useful for SEO because users searching for:
- AICAR 50mg
- AICAR molecular weight
- AICAR 50mg molecular weight
- AICAR molecular formula
- AICAR COA
may be looking for different pieces of the same technical product information.
AICAR Molecular Weight and Molar Mass
The terms molecular weight and molar mass are frequently used interchangeably in practical laboratory discussions, although they have different formal meanings.
For AICAR, a value of approximately 258.23 g/mol is commonly provided as the molecular weight specification.
This value allows researchers to relate a mass quantity to a number of moles when appropriate for their analytical or experimental calculations.
For example, the relationship is:
moles = mass ÷ molar mass
Any laboratory calculation should use the exact chemical form and molecular-weight value applicable to the material being analyzed.
AICAR Research Compound
AICAR is often used in research involving cellular signaling and metabolic pathways.
Current laboratory references describe AICAR as a compound associated with AMPK-related research. Sigma-Aldrich identifies its AICAR product as an AMPK activator and provides the corresponding chemical and analytical specifications.
Research applications may include:
- Cellular energy-signaling research
- AMPK pathway studies
- Biochemical research
- Cell-based experimental systems
- Metabolic signaling investigations
- Analytical compound characterization
These research descriptions should not be interpreted as claims of therapeutic effectiveness or recommendations for human use.
AICAR Is Not a Conventional Peptide
For SEO accuracy, it is important to clarify that AICAR is not a conventional peptide.
AICAR is a small-molecule nucleoside analog.
Its molecular formula is:
C₉H₁₄N₄O₅
and its molecular weight is:
258.23 g/mol.
This differs substantially from peptide research materials, which are generally described through amino-acid sequences, peptide molecular masses, and peptide-specific analytical methods.
If users search for “AICAR peptide,” the phrase can be addressed as a search variant, but the page should explain the chemical classification rather than perpetuate an inaccurate description.
AICAR Analytical Testing
AICAR research material can be evaluated using several analytical approaches.
HPLC
Useful for chromatographic separation and purity assessment.
LC-MS
Combines chromatography with mass spectrometry and can support compound identification.
Mass spectrometry
Provides molecular-mass information that can be compared with expected values.
COA review
Provides batch-level documentation when appropriately issued and linked to the tested lot.
Reference standards
Appropriate analytical standards can help laboratories validate or compare analytical measurements.
A multi-attribute analytical approach provides more information than a single specification.
How to Evaluate AICAR Molecular-Weight Information
When comparing AICAR products or technical documents, use a structured process.
Step 1: Confirm the compound
Verify that the material is parent AICAR/acadesine rather than a derivative.
Step 2: Check the CAS number
Parent AICAR is associated with CAS 2627-69-2.
Step 3: Confirm the formula
The parent compound is C₉H₁₄N₄O₅.
Step 4: Confirm molecular weight
The commonly reported value is 258.23 g/mol.
Step 5: Review analytical data
Look for HPLC and identity-testing information.
Step 6: Check the COA
Make sure the documentation corresponds to the exact lot.
This approach reduces the risk of confusing AICAR with related compounds.
.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the molecular weight of AICAR?
The commonly reported molecular weight of parent AICAR is 258.23 g/mol. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₄N₄O₅.
What is the molecular formula of AICAR?
AICAR has the molecular formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₅.
What is the CAS number for AICAR?
The CAS Registry Number for AICAR/acadesine is 2627-69-2.
Is AICAR a peptide?
No. AICAR is a small-molecule nucleoside analog rather than a conventional peptide.
What is AICAR 50mg?
AICAR 50mg refers to a product configuration containing a nominal 50mg quantity of AICAR research material. The 50mg quantity does not change the compound’s molecular weight.
What is AICAR’s molecular weight in daltons?
AICAR’s molecular weight is approximately 258.23 Da, equivalent numerically to approximately 258.23 g/mol as a molar-mass expression.
Why is AICAR molecular weight important?
Molecular weight provides an important chemical reference for identity verification, analytical calculations, mass spectrometry, and laboratory documentation.
Does AICAR phosphate have the same molecular weight?
No. PubChem lists AICAR phosphate separately at 356.23 g/mol, with a different molecular formula.
Can molecular weight alone confirm AICAR identity?
No. Molecular weight should ideally be considered alongside other identifiers and analytical evidence such as CAS number, formula, HPLC, LC-MS, or other appropriate identity testing.
What should an AICAR COA contain?
A useful COA may identify the product and lot and provide analytical information such as molecular formula, molecular weight, purity, identity testing, test date, and laboratory information.