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For laboratory research use only.
$20.00
Sku: DB0154-5mL
Availability:
AVAILABLE
In stock & estimated to ship in 3-7 days by June 25, 2026
Description
DEPC (Diethyl Pyrocarbonate) is a highly effective RNase (ribonuclease) inhibitor used to prepare nuclease-free, DEPC-treated water and solutions for RNA extraction, RT-PCR, and other RNA applications.
Diethyl Pyrocarbonate (DEPC) is sensitive to moisture and to pH; it decomposes to ethanol and carbon dioxide in aqueous solution. It decomposes at 155°C. DEPC is also sensitive to ammonia, which causes decomposition to urethane, a possible carcinogen.
DEPC is effective as a nuclease inhibitor. It reacts with many enzymes containing -NH, -SH or -OH groups in their active sites. Typically a 0.1% solution is used to inactive RNase (one milliliter of DEPC is added to 1 liter of water).
The DEPC will not immediately dissolve, as evidenced by the appearance of globules. The mixture should be stirred until the globules disappear.
The DEPC hydrolyzes over time to form ethanol and carbon dioxide. At this time the solution may be autoclaved to destroy the DEPC. DEPC has been used as a gentle esterifying agent and preservative.
Mechanism Clarification
DEPC acts as a condensing agent between lysine ε-amine groups and carboxyl groups of aspartic or glutamic acid. It modifies amino acid residues (especially histidyl residues in proteins) through carboxyethylation reactions.
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DEPC modifies protein amino acid residues (e.g., histidine)
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RNA is indirectly protected because RNases are inactivated
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It does NOT directly modify RNA purine residues via histidyl residues
Specifications
| Product | DEPC |
| CAS | 1609-47-8 |
| Appearance | Clear, light yellow liquid |
| Molecular formula | C6H10O5 |
| Purity | ≥97% |
| Formula weight | 162.1 |
| Density | 1.12 g/mL |
| Molarity | 6.9 M |
| Refractive Index | 1.398 at 20°C |
Features
- Effectively inactivates RNase to protect RNA integrity
- Standard reagent for preparing DEPC-treated (RNase-free) water
- High purity; CAS 1609-47-8
- COA & SDS provided with every lot
- In stock — ships on ice from our Richmond, VA warehouse
Applications
- RNA extraction & purification
- RT-PCR / qRT-PCR
- Northern blotting and in vitro transcription
- Treating water, tubes, and solutions to make them RNase-free
How to Prepare 0.1% DEPC-Treated Water
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Add 1 mL DEPC per 1 L of distilled water (0.1%).
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Stir vigorously until the DEPC globules disappear; stand overnight at 37°C if possible.
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Autoclave 15 min/L to break DEPC down into ethanol and CO2.
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Cool before use. Residual DEPC must be removed by autoclaving, as it modifies RNA.
Important: Do not add DEPC directly to Tris or other amine-containing buffers — DEPC reacts with amines and is inactivated. Prepare such buffers using DEPC-treated water instead.
Storage
Storage Temperature: 2–8°C
Safety & Handling
DEPC is a suspected carcinogen. Handle in a fume hood, wear appropriate PPE, and store refrigerated at 2–8°C. See SDS for full details. For laboratory research use only.
Documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make 0.1% DEPC-treated water?
Add 1 mL DEPC per liter of distilled water, stir until the globules dissolve, then autoclave 15 min/L to remove the DEPC before use.
Why must DEPC-treated water be autoclaved before use?
Residual DEPC modifies RNA and can interfere with downstream reactions. Autoclaving breaks DEPC down into ethanol and CO2, leaving the water RNase-free and safe to use.
Why can't DEPC be used directly with Tris buffer?
DEPC reacts with amine groups, so it is inactivated by Tris and other amine-containing buffers. Prepare these buffers with DEPC-treated water instead of adding DEPC directly.
Is DEPC carcinogenic and how should it be handled safely?
DEPC is a suspected carcinogen. Always handle it in a fume hood with appropriate PPE, and store it refrigerated at 2–8 °C. Refer to the SDS for complete safety information.
DEPC vs RNase-removal sprays: what is the difference?
DEPC is an RNase inhibitor used mainly to prepare nuclease-free water and solutions for RNA work such as RNA extraction, RT-PCR, and Northern blotting.
When can I expect my order to ship?
Most orders are filled and shipped within 2-3 business days from the time they are received.
Our standard shipping usually take 2-5 days.
We also provide express shippping for time-sensitive deliveries.
Email contact@biofargo.com if you have any requirements.
