Merck, 03449-25G, N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride, commonly referred to as EDAC HCl, plays a pivotal role as a potent and widely utilized water-soluble reagent in chemical and biochemical research, primarily facilitating the formation of amide bonds. In the realm of peptide synthesis, EDAC HCl showcases efficiency by coupling amino acids through their carboxyl and amine groups, crucial for the creation of peptides with specific sequences and functionalities. Expanding its influence beyond peptides, EDAC HCl contributes to the construction of immunogens by covalently attaching haptens—small molecules that elicit an immune response—to carrier proteins, playing a key role in vaccine research.The versatility of EDAC HCl extends to nucleic acid modification, allowing for the labeling of DNA and RNA through their 5′ phosphate groups. This capability facilitates the visualization, tracking, and analysis of these crucial molecules, contributing significantly to advancements in nucleic acid research. Furthermore, EDAC HCl serves as a biomolecule bridge, acting as a crosslinker that connects amine-reactive NHS-esters of biomolecules to carboxyl groups. This technique proves invaluable in protein conjugation, enabling the creation of hybrid molecules with novel properties and functions. The underlying mechanism involves EDAC HCl′s reaction with a carboxyl group, forming an unstable intermediate that actively seeks an amine partner. The delicate balance of this reaction underscores the importance of optimizing conditions for efficient conjugation. The assistance of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) further enhances EDAC HCl′s capabilities by stabilizing the intermediate and enabling two-step conjugation procedures. This additional feature provides greater flexibility and control, particularly when dealing with complex biomolecules.