1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide Hydrochloride (EDC HCl)||25952-53-8||manufacturer india.

In the world of organic chemistry and biochemistry, 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, commonly known as EDC HCl, plays a crucial role, particularly in the formation of amide bonds. This reagent has become indispensable in laboratories around the world due to its efficiency, versatility, and relative ease of use. In this blog post, we will explore EDC HCl in detail, discussing its structure, mechanism of action, applications, safety considerations, and more.

Chemical Structure and Properties

EDC HCl is a carbodiimide compound, a class of chemicals characterized by the presence of a -N=C=N- group. The full chemical name of EDC HCl is quite a mouthful: 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride. Let’s break down what this name tells us:

1-Ethyl: The compound contains an ethyl group (CH₃CH₂-).

3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl): There is a propyl chain with a dimethylamino group attached at the third carbon.

Carbodiimide: The functional group -N=C=N- defines the core of the molecule.

Hydrochloride (HCl): The compound is in its hydrochloride salt form, which enhances its stability.

The molecular formula of EDC HCl is C8H17N3·HCl, and its molecular weight is approximately 191.70 g/mol for the free base and 155.25 g/mol for the hydrochloride salt. Visually, EDC HCl appears as a white crystalline powder, which is soluble in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and dimethylformamide (DMF).

Mechanism of Action

EDC HCl’s primary function in chemical reactions is to activate carboxyl groups, facilitating their reaction with nucleophiles, particularly amines, to form amide bonds. The reaction typically proceeds through the following steps:

Activation of Carboxylic Acid: EDC HCl(25952-53-8) reacts with a carboxylic acid group (R-COOH) to form an O-acylisourea intermediate. This intermediate is highly reactive, making it easier for the next step of the reaction to occur.

Formation of Amide Bond: The O-acylisourea intermediate reacts with an amine group (R'-NH₂), resulting in the formation of an amide bond (R-CO-NH-R'). This step is crucial in peptide synthesis and other bioconjugation reactions.

Byproduct Formation: During the reaction, the EDC is converted into a urea byproduct, which can be easily removed from the reaction mixture.

One of the significant advantages of using EDC HCl is that it doesn’t require additional catalysts or harsh conditions. The reaction generally proceeds smoothly under mild conditions, making it ideal for sensitive biomolecules such as peptides and proteins.

Applications in Chemistry and Biology

EDC HCl is a versatile reagent, finding use in various fields of research and development:

Peptide Synthesis:

EDC HCl (25952-53-8) is a go-to reagent for peptide bond formation in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and solution-phase synthesis. It efficiently couples the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another, forming the desired peptide linkage.

Protein Cross-linking:

EDC HCl is employed in the cross-linking of proteins to Carboxylated surfaces or other biomolecules. This is particularly useful in the creation of protein conjugates, which are essential in developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

Nucleic Acid Labeling:

EDC HCl is used in the labeling of nucleic acids by coupling them with amine-modified labels. This application is vital in the study of gene expression and the development of DNA-based biosensors.

Surface Chemistry:

EDC HCl is used to immobilize biomolecules on surfaces, such as glass or polymer films, by activating carboxyl groups on the surface. This technique is widely used in the development of biosensors and biochips.

Safety and Handling

While EDC HCl is a powerful and useful reagent, it is also associated with certain hazards. It is essential to handle it with care:

Irritation: EDC HCl is an irritant and can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in more severe health effects.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When working with EDC HCl, always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Working in a well-ventilated area, such as a fume hood, is also recommended to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.

Storage: EDC HCl (25952-53-8)should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and air. The reagent is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb water from the air, leading to its decomposition and a reduction in its effectiveness.

Disposal: Waste containing EDC HCl should be disposed of according to local regulations. It’s essential to neutralize and properly dispose of any reaction byproducts and residual reagent to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC HCl) is an indispensable reagent in modern biochemistry and organic synthesis. Its ability to facilitate the formation of amide bonds under mild conditions has made it a staple in peptide synthesis, protein cross-linking, and surface chemistry. However, like any chemical reagent, it must be handled with care, respecting safety protocols to ensure a safe and productive laboratory environment.

Whether you are synthesizing a new peptide, labeling a nucleic acid, or immobilizing a protein on a surface, EDC HCl (25952-53-8)is likely to be a reagent of choice. Its efficiency, versatility, and relative ease of use make it a powerful tool in the hands of chemists and biochemists alike.