> Category: Carbodiimide Coupling Reagent | Molecular Formula: C8H18ClN3 | Molecular Weight: 191.70 | CAS: 25952-53-8
What Is EDC·HCl Used For?
EDC·HCl (CAS 25952-53-8) is a carbodiimide coupling reagent primarily used in amide bond formation. EDC·HCl is the most widely purchased carbodiimide coupling reagent globally, valued for its water solubility which enables bioconjugation in aqueous buffers — a critical requirement in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing and protein labeling. The water-soluble urea byproduct simplifies workup compared to DCC. Its low cost (~$1-2/g) combined with broad functional group tolerance makes it the first-choice reagent in most academic and industrial peptide synthesis workflows.
With a molecular formula of C8H18ClN3 and molecular weight of 191.70 g/mol [001], EDC·HCl is white crystalline powder and highly soluble in water (>200 mg/ml); soluble in dmf, dcm [002]. The global market for this compound class was valued at $2.1 billion peptide coupling reagents (2024), growing at a CAGR of 6.8% [003].
How Does EDC·HCl Work in Chemical Reactions?
The mechanism of action of EDC·HCl depends on its structural features. With InChIKey FPQQSJJWHUJYPU-UHFFFAOYSA-N [001], EDC·HCl functions through EDC·HCl is the most widely purchased carbodiimide coupling reagent globally, valued for its water solubility which enabl....
Key mechanistic features include:
- Structural specificity: The molecular architecture of EDC·HCl (IUPAC: N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride [001]) determines its reactivity profile and selectivity
- Solubility profile: Highly soluble in water (>200 mg/mL); soluble in DMF, DCM [002], enabling compatibility with diverse reaction conditions
- Functional group tolerance: Compatible with a wide range of functional groups commonly encountered in multi-step synthesis
For industrial applications, EDC·HCl has been optimized for scalability. The compound's white crystalline powder facilitates handling, and its well-characterized properties enable reproducible process chemistry across batch sizes ranging from milligram to kilogram scale.
What Are the Key Applications of EDC·HCl?
EDC·HCl serves critical roles across multiple chemical sectors [004]:
- Amide bond formation in peptide synthesis
- Bioconjugation (protein labeling, antibody-drug conjugates)
- Ester and thioester synthesis
- Crosslinking of biomolecules for hydrogel formation
The diversity of applications reflects the compound's versatility. In pharmaceutical synthesis, EDC·HCl enables key bond-forming reactions that would be difficult or impossible with alternative reagents. In materials chemistry, it provides access to polymers and advanced materials with tailored properties.
What Are the Physical and Chemical Properties of EDC·HCl?
Understanding the physical properties of EDC·HCl (CAS 25952-53-8) is essential for safe handling and optimal experimental design [001] [002]:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 25952-53-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18ClN3 |
| Molecular Weight | 191.70 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride |
| InChIKey | FPQQSJJWHUJYPU-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 110-115 °C |
Solubility characteristics: Highly soluble in water (>200 mg/mL); soluble in DMF, DCM [002]. These properties dictate the choice of reaction medium, workup procedures, and purification strategies when working with EDC·HCl.
What Is the Market Outlook for EDC·HCl?
The global market for this class of compounds demonstrates robust growth [003]. The market was valued at $2.1 billion peptide coupling reagents (2024), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% [003].
Three forces drive demand:
- Pharmaceutical R&D expansion: Over 60% of the demand for high-purity carbodiimide coupling reagents originates from pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, driven by the increasing pipeline of small-molecule drug candidates
- Asia-Pacific manufacturing growth: China and India account for approximately 45% of global consumption, reflecting the migration of pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing to the region [003]
- Green chemistry adoption: The shift toward sustainable synthesis methods favors reagents with favorable E-factors and aqueous compatibility
The market report by Strategic Market Research, Peptide Coupling Reagent Market Report 2025 projects continued expansion through 2032, driven by these structural demand drivers [003].
How Should EDC·HCl Be Safely Handled and Stored?
Proper handling of EDC·HCl requires attention to standard laboratory safety protocols. Key considerations:
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate gloves (nitrile recommended), safety goggles, and lab coat
- Ventilation: Use in a fume hood or well-ventilated area
- Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials
Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from your supplier before handling. The SDS provides detailed information on hazards, first aid measures, firefighting procedures, and disposal considerations specific to the grade and formulation you are using [002].
Frequently Asked Questions About EDC·HCl
What is the CAS number of EDC·HCl?
The CAS Registry Number of EDC·HCl is 25952-53-8. This unique identifier is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service and is recognized globally for unambiguous chemical identification [001].
Is EDC·HCl water-soluble?
Highly soluble in water (>200 mg/mL); soluble in DMF, DCM. Highly soluble in water (>200 mg/mL); soluble in DMF, DCM [002]. This solubility profile is critical for selecting appropriate reaction solvents and workup conditions.
What is the molecular weight of EDC·HCl?
The molecular weight of EDC·HCl (25952-53-8) is 191.70 g/mol, based on its molecular formula C8H18ClN3 [001].
Where can I buy EDC·HCl with fast shipping?
EDC·HCl is widely available from major chemical suppliers including Sigma-Aldrich (catalog #E6383), Thermo Fisher Scientific, TCI America, and other regional distributors. For research quantities, most suppliers offer next-day delivery in major markets. Bulk and custom quantities typically require 1-4 weeks lead time. CoreyChem also stocks EDC·HCl at competitive prices with global shipping.
What are the main applications of EDC·HCl in industry?
The primary industrial applications of EDC·HCl include: Amide bond formation in peptide synthesis; Bioconjugation (protein labeling, antibody-drug conjugates); Ester and thioester synthesis; and Crosslinking of biomolecules for hydrogel formation [004].
What is the difference between EDC·HCl and similar reagents?
Unlike structurally related alternatives, EDC·HCl offers unique structural and reactivity features. This differentiated performance profile makes it the preferred choice for the specific applications listed above [004].
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Where to Buy EDC·HCl (CAS 25952-53-8)
EDC·HCl is available in the CoreyChem catalog. [View product page →](https://careerchemical.com/product/25952-53-8)
CoreyChem supplies EDC·HCl to research laboratories and industrial customers worldwide. Contact our sales team for bulk pricing and custom packaging options.
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References & Sources
https://www.strategicmarketresearch.com/market-report/peptide-coupling-reagent-market
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/aldrich/E6383
