Methylnitrosourea

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance|Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A pale yellow, crystalline nitrosourea that is sensitive to light and moisture and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition. Methylnitrosourea is an alkylating agent that is primarily used for research purposes to induce tumors and has also been studied as a chemotherapy agent for cancer treatment. Exposure to methylnitrosourea causes dermatitis. Methylnitrosourea is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea - MNU - N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea - N-NITROSO-N-METHYLUREA - N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea - N-methyl-N-nitrosourea - N-nitroso-N-methylcarbamide - NMH - NMU