Ravuconazole-d4 (CAS 182760-06-1 (unlabeled))

Ravuconazole-d4 is a deuterated variant of ravuconazole, a triazole antifungal compound, where four hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium. This alteration primarily serves research purposes, particularly in enhancing the analytical detection and quantification of ravuconazole through mass spectrometry, due to the heavier isotopic label which provides clearer signals and less background noise. Ravuconazole itself functions by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase in fungi. This critical enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. The inhibition leads to a depletion of ergosterol and an accumulation of toxic methylated sterol precursors, which disrupts the integrity and functionality of the cell membrane, thereby halting fungal growth and proliferation. In research contexts, ravuconazole-d4 is employed to study the pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and environmental fate of ravuconazole. Studies using this deuterated compound help explain how ravuconazole is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in biological systems. Additionally, it aids in the investigation of potential environmental impacts, such as breakdown products and persistence of the parent compound in various ecosystems. These insights are crucial for assessing the environmental safety and designing effective application strategies for the non-deuterated fungicide.