It can be synthesized from
guanidine and
malic acid. Isocytosine can also be obtained by condensing guanidine hydrochloride with
3-oxopropanoic acid. However, the component is not storable in this case and was, therefore, replaced with
malic acid. This is decarbonylated in concentrated sulfuric acid with elimination of water, thus losing
carbon monoxide. The 3-oxopropanoic acid formed in situ condenses with the guanidine in the sulfuric acid solution with double elimination of water. ==Uses==