DEPC, Diethyl pyrocarbonate is used as modification reagent for His and Tyr residues in proteins. DEPC is a well-known inhibitor of ribonucleases (RNases), and it reacts with many enzymes containing -NH, -SH, or -OH groups in their active sites, such as Cys, His, Lys, Ser, Thr, and Tyr residues, as well as N-terminal sites of proteins. It is robust probe for structural disruptions in dsDNA, reacting with fully or partially unstacked bases. DEPC has also been used in PCR reaction for treating deionized water, which reduces the risk of RNA being degraded by RNases. It is also used for Dot blot hybridization, to dilute total RNA isolated from different micro-organisms.
CAS Number:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1609-47-8
Synonym(s):Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Diethyl dicarbonate
Molecular Formula:Â Â C6H10O5
Molecular Weight:Â Â Â 162.141 g/mol
InChI Key:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â FFYPMLJYZAEMQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Preparation Notes:
DEPC is soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones, and other hydrocarbons, but has limited (~0.1%) solubility in water. It can be solubilized in 95% ethanol (e.g. 1.6 mL in 4 mL ethanol gives a clear, colorless solution). DEPC hydrolyzes in aqueous solution, to form ethanol and carbon dioxide (CO2), and 0.1% DEPC solution (1 mL of DEPC diluted in water to 1 L) is used to inactivate RNase. The DEPC will not immediately dissolve, and the mixture should be stirred until the globules disappear. DEPC will decompose in solution when autoclaved, and for 0.1% DEPC solutions, autoclaving for 15 minutes per liter is considered sufficient.
Hazard statement(s)
The product is for Research Use Only, harmful if swallowed and must NOT be used for clinical or therapeutic, purposes in humans or animals. Read the product Safety Data Sheet for details.
H227Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Combustible liquid.
H302Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Harmful if swallowed.
