1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide Hydrochloride (EDC HCl), commonly known as EDC or EDAC, is a widely used carbodiimide reagent in organic synthesis and biochemical applications. It plays a crucial role in peptide coupling reactions, specifically for forming amide bonds between carboxyl and amine groups. This reagent is preferred due to its water solubility and minimal side reactions.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Chemical Name: 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide Hydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₇N₃ · HCl
Molecular Weight: 191.70 g/mol
CAS Number: 25952-53-8
Physical Properties:
| Property |
Description |
| Appearance |
White to off-white crystalline solid |
| Melting Point |
110-115°C (Decomposes) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water and organic solvents like DMF and DMSO |
| Stability |
Stable under dry conditions; sensitive to moisture |
Applications of EDC HCl
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Peptide Synthesis:
EDC HCl is extensively used in peptide coupling reactions to form amide bonds between the carboxyl groups of amino acids and the amino groups of another amino acid, leading to peptide chains.
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Nucleic Acid Cross-Linking:
In molecular biology, EDC is used for cross-linking oligonucleotides, proteins, and nucleic acids, particularly in constructing DNA, RNA, and protein conjugates.
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Protein Conjugation:
EDC HCl is effective in conjugating proteins to carboxyl-containing surfaces or molecules, aiding in various applications like creating bioconjugates for antibody labeling.
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Activation of Carboxyl Groups:
In organic chemistry, EDC is used to activate carboxyl groups to form esters, anhydrides, or amides, making it valuable for a variety of chemical transformations.
Mechanism of Action
EDC HCl works by activating carboxyl groups, turning them into an active ester intermediate. This intermediate can then react with amines to form an amide bond. One advantage of using EDC over other coupling reagents is that the by-product, N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)urea, is water-soluble and can be easily removed by aqueous washes.
EDC HCl Manufacturers
EDC HCl is produced by several manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. In India and Italy, there are numerous manufacturers of high-quality EDC HCl used in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and chemical industries. Here are some prominent suppliers: