Introduction
EDC HCl, also known as 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, is a water-soluble carbodiimide reagent widely used in peptide synthesis, bioconjugation, and crosslinking reactions. Known as a zero-length crosslinker, EDC HCl facilitates the direct coupling of carboxylic acid groups with amines, forming stable amide bonds without introducing additional linker atoms.
Its unique solubility and effectiveness in aqueous buffers have made it a preferred reagent in life sciences, pharmaceutical chemistry, and material sciences.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name: 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C8H17N3·HCl
Molecular Weight: 191.7 g/mol
CAS Number: 25952-53-8
Form: White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility: Soluble in water, DMSO, DMF
EDC is often used in conjunction with NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide) or Sulfo-NHS to improve coupling efficiency and reduce side reactions.
Mechanism of Action
EDC HCl activates the carboxylic acid group of one molecule to form an O-acylisourea intermediate, which then reacts with a primary amine from another molecule to form a stable amide bond. This reaction is widely used to:
Couple proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides
Immobilize biomolecules onto surfaces
Modify drug molecules or carriers
Importantly, EDC leaves no spacer or by-product in the final product, making it ideal for applications requiring minimal alteration of molecular structure.
Key Applications of EDC HCl
- Peptide Synthesis
EDC HCl is frequently used in both solution-phase and solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). It offers:
High coupling efficiency
Minimal racemization
Compatibility with mild reaction conditions
It is especially effective for amide bond formation between amino acids.
- Bioconjugation and Crosslinking
In biological systems, EDC HCl is used to:
Link proteins to other proteins, DNA, or RNA
Conjugate antibodies to enzymes, fluorophores, or nanoparticles
Label surfaces with biomolecules for biosensors or assays
Often used with Sulfo-NHS, it stabilizes the intermediate and improves reaction yields in aqueous environments.
- Drug Development and Biomaterials
EDC HCl is used in the development of:
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
Nanoparticle surface modifications
Hydrogels and bioactive scaffolds
Its ability to work in aqueous and organic media makes it ideal for drug delivery applications and medical device surface functionalization.
Advantages of Using EDC HCl
✅ Water Solubility – Enables direct use in biological buffers
✅ Zero-length Crosslinking – No foreign atoms in final structure
✅ High Yield Reactions – Efficient amide/peptide bond formation
✅ No Harsh Conditions Required – Gentle on sensitive biomolecules
✅ Compatible with NHS Esters – Boosts stability and selectivity
Handling and Storage
Shelf Life: 12–24 months if stored correctly
Storage: Keep in a dry, dark environment at 2–8°C
Safety: Use with gloves and goggles; EDC can irritate skin and eyes
Decomposition: Avoid exposure to moisture to prevent hydrolysis
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed guidance.
Packaging and Availability
Available in:
Research Packs: 1g, 5g, 25g, 100g
Bulk Quantities: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, custom lots upon request
Supplied with COA, MSDS, and TDS; compliant with GMP or ISO standards where needed
EDC HCl is typically shipped with cold chain logistics to maintain stability during transit.
Conclusion
EDC HCl is an essential coupling reagent for scientists working in protein chemistry, material science, peptide drug design, and bioconjugation. Its zero-length, water-compatible, and efficient amide-forming properties make it a go-to tool for laboratories and industries alike.
Whether you're creating advanced biomaterials, conducting biomolecular assays, or developing next-generation pharmaceuticals, EDC HCl delivers the performance and reliability required for cutting-edge applications.
