Merck, E7750-10G, N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC HCl), commonly referred to as EDAC, is a highly potent and extensively utilized water-soluble reagent in the realm of chemical and biochemical research, playing a crucial role in facilitating the formation of amide bonds. Within the domain of peptide synthesis, EDC HCl demonstrates notable efficiency by catalyzing the coupling of amino acids through their carboxyl and amine groups, thereby facilitating the creation of peptide backbones with specific sequences and functionalities. This particular attribute is highly valuable in the production of peptides for various research purposes. Expanding beyond peptides, EDC HCl′s influence extends to the construction of immunogens, where it actively participates in the covalent attachment of haptens (small molecules that elicit an immune response) to carrier proteins. This involvement proves instrumental in the research and development of vaccines. The versatility of EDC HCl further manifests in its capacity to modify nucleic acids, allowing for the labeling of DNA and RNA through their 5′ phosphate groups. This functionality enhances the visualization, tracking, and analysis of these crucial molecules, contributing significantly to the progression of nucleic acid research. Moreover, EDC HCl serves as a vital biomolecule bridge, acting as a crosslinker that connects amine-reactive NHS-esters of biomolecules to carboxyl groups. This technique is particularly valuable in protein conjugation, enabling the creation of hybrid molecules with novel properties and functions. The underlying mechanism of EDC HCl involves its reaction with a carboxyl group, forming an unstable intermediate that actively seeks an amine partner. The delicate balance of this reaction emphasizes the need for optimizing conditions to ensure efficient conjugation. The assistance of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) further enhances EDC HCl′s capabilities by stabilizing the intermediate and enabling two-step conjugation procedures, offering greater flexibility and control, especially when dealing with complex biomolecules.