Chemical Properties
liquid
Uses
Gentle esterifying agent. Preservative for wines, soft drinks, fruit juices.
Uses
Modification reagent for His and Tyr residues in proteins. Robust probe for structural disruptions in dsDNA, reacting with fully or partially unstacked bases.1
Definition
ChEBI: The diethyl ester of dicarbonic acid.
General Description
Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP) is a bactericidal agent and decomposes in water to CO2 and ethanol. DEP inhibits enzymes such as DNase and RNase without affecting nucleic acids. It is useful for the preparation of mRNA from tissues.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Inactivates RNase in solution at about 0.1% (v/v), thus protecting RNA against degradation.
Purification Methods
Dissolve the ester in Et2O, wash it with dilute HCl, H2O, dry over Na2SO4, filter, evaporate and distil the residue first in vacuo then at atmospheric pressure. It is soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones and hydrocarbon solvents. A 50% w/w solution is usually prepared for general use. Treat with great CAUTION as DEP irritates the eyes, mucous membranes and skin. [Boehm & Mehta Chem Ber 71 1797 1938, Thoma & Rinke Justus Liebigs Ann Chem 624 30 1959, Beilstein 3 IV 18.]
