DEPC (Diethyl pyrocarbonate) 97%

Description

DEPC is a highly effective RNase inhibitor used to prepare nuclease-free (DEPC-treated) water and solutions for RNA extraction, RT-PCR, and other RNA work.

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.

• DEPC modifies protein amino acid residues (e.g., histidine)

• RNA is indirectly protected because RNases are inactivated

• It does NOT directly modify RNA purine residues via histidyl residues

Specifications

Features

• Highly effective RNase inhibitor for RNA workflows

• Used to prepare DEPC-treated nuclease-free water

• Effective at low concentration (0.1% working solution)

• Reacts with enzyme functional groups (-NH, -SH, -OH)

• Compatible with RNA extraction and RT-PCR sample preparation

• Requires autoclaving for complete inactivation after hydrolysis

• Forms ethanol + CO₂ upon decomposition

• Supplied as ≥97% purity reagent

Applications

• RNA extraction and purification

• RT-PCR / qRT-PCR workflows

• Northern blot analysis

• In vitro transcription systems

• Preparation of nuclease-free (DEPC-treated) water

• RNase decontamination of lab glassware and consumables

Protocol / How to Use

Step 1 — Prepare 0.1% DEPC solution

Add 1 mL DEPC into 1 L water.

Step 2 — Mix thoroughly

Stir until DEPC droplets (globules) completely disappear.

Step 3 — Incubation & hydrolysis

Allow DEPC to react; it gradually hydrolyzes in aqueous solution.

Step 4 — Autoclave

Autoclave at standard conditions (e.g., 121°C, 15 min per liter) to fully destroy residual DEPC.

Storage

Storage Temperature: 2–8°C

Safety & Handling

• Moisture sensitive reagent

• Avoid exposure to water, strong acids, bases, ammonia

• Handle in chemical fume hood

• Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat

• Combustible liquid (H227)

• Harmful if swallowed (H302)

Documents

INFO | COA | SDS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)