The nitrofurans encompass a class of synthetic antibacterials characterized by the 5‐nitro‐2‐furanyl group. Nitrofurans include furium, C
9
H
7
N
3
O
4
S; furazolidone,
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;
Z
‐furan, C
7
H
6
N
2
O
4
; furylfuramide, C
11
H
8
N
2
O
5
; nitrovin,
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; furalazine C
9
H
7
N
5
O
3
; acetylfuratrizine, C
11
H
9
N
5
O
4
; panfuran‐S, C
11
H
11
N
5
O
5
; nifuroxime, C
5
H
4
N
2
O
4
; nitrofurazone, C
6
H
6
N
4
O
4
; nifuraldezone, C
7
H
6
N
4
O
5
; nihydrazone, C
7
H
7
N
3
O
4
; nitrofurantoin, C
8
H
6
N
4
O
5
; nifuratel, C
10
H
11
N
3
O
5
S; nitrofurathiazide, C
13
H
12
N
4
O
6
S; nifurtoinol, C
9
H
8
N
4
O
6
; and nifurprinol, C
12
H
10
N
2
O
4
. Several nitrofurans have been marketed in the human and veterinary areas because of their broad spectrum of activity and relatively mild toxicity. Nitrofurans are generally stable, water‐insoluble crystalline solids, which decompose (darken) upon prolonged exposure to light or alkali. Nitrofurantoin is bactericidal at the concentrations achieved in the urinary tract and highly effective against the corresponding pathogens. Since its introduction for use in uncomplicated urinary tract infections, essentially no resistance development has occurred, unlike nearly all other antimicrobials. Nitrogurazone, furazolidone, and nitrofurantoin have been used therapeutically for over 30 yr with no reports of human neoplasia. Most commercial nitrofurans are derived from 5‐nitro‐2‐furancarboxaldehyde or the corresponding diacetate.