Merck, 03450-25G, N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC HCl), commonly known as EDAC, is a crucial water-soluble reagent widely employed in chemical and biochemical research, particularly for its proficiency in mediating amide bond formation. Notably effective in peptide synthesis, EDAC HCl demonstrates efficiency in coupling amino acids through their carboxyl and amine groups, enabling the tailored creation of peptides with specific sequences and functionalities. Extending its utility, EDAC HCl plays a pivotal role in the construction of immunogens by covalently attaching haptens—small immune-response eliciting molecules—to carrier proteins, a critical aspect in vaccine research. The adaptability of EDAC HCl encompasses nucleic acid modification, permitting the selective labeling of DNA and RNA through their 5′ phosphate groups. This capacity contributes significantly to the visualization, tracking, and analytical aspects of these fundamental molecules, thereby advancing nucleic acid research. Furthermore, EDAC HCl functions as a biomolecule bridge, acting as a crosslinker connecting amine-reactive NHS-esters of biomolecules to carboxyl groups. This feature proves invaluable in protein conjugation, facilitating the development of hybrid molecules with distinct properties and functions. The underlying reaction mechanism involves EDAC HCl′s interaction with a carboxyl group, forming an unstable intermediate actively seeking an amine partner. The delicate equilibrium of this reaction underscores the necessity for optimizing conditions to ensure efficient conjugation. The assistance of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) enhances the capabilities of EDAC HCl by stabilizing the intermediate and enabling two-step conjugation procedures, affording greater flexibility and control, particularly in the manipulation of complex biomolecular structures.