The molecule is a purine nucleoside in which guanine is attached to arabinofuranose via a beta-N(9)-glycosidic bond. It inhibits DNA synthesis and causes cell death. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent and a DNA synthesis inhibitor. It is a beta-D-arabinoside and a purine nucleoside.
2-amino-9-[(2R,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-1H-purin-6-one