4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate

4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is a fluorescent compound that can be used to measure the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes. The fluorescence intensity of 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate increases when it reacts with substrates and inhibitors in vitro. This chemical has been shown to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase in rat liver microsomes, which may lead to blood disorders. It also inhibits coumarin derivatives and human pathogens, such as erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is used as a substrate for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis because it is not susceptible to hydrolysis by esterases.

4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate, also known as 4-methyl-7-acetyloxy coumarin or 7-acetoxy-4-methylchromen-2-one, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as coumarins and derivatives. These are polycyclic aromatic compounds containing a 1-benzopyran moiety with a ketone group at the C2 carbon atom (1-benzopyran-2-one). 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate exists as a solid and is considered to be practically insoluble (in water) and relatively neutral. Within the cell, 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate is primarily located in the cytoplasm. 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate can be biosynthesized from umbelliferone.

4-methylumbelliferyl acetate is an acetate ester consiting of umbelliferone carrying a 7-O-acetyl group. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an acetate ester and a member of coumarins. It derives from an umbelliferone.