Guanidine Thiocyanate
Guanidine Thiocyanate: High-Purity Reagent for Molecular Biology
Guanidine Thiocyanate is a powerful chaotropic salt widely used in molecular biology applications, particularly for nucleic acid extraction. Our premium-grade Guanidine Thiocyanate offers exceptional purity and stability, making it ideal for sensitive research applications.
Product Specifications
- Chemical Formula: CH5N3·CHNS
- Molecular Weight: 118.16 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Purity: ≥99%
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (100 mg/mL)
- Storage: Room temperature, dry conditions
- CAS Number: 593-84-0
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (Titration) | 99.0-101.0% |
| pH (5% solution) | 4.5-7.0 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤50 ppm |
| Sulfate (SO4) | ≤50 ppm |
| Water Content | ≤0.5% |
Applications of Guanidine Thiocyanate
Guanidine Thiocyanate is primarily used in:
- RNA isolation procedures
- DNA extraction protocols
- Protein denaturation studies
- Viral particle disruption
- Cell lysis buffers
Frequently Asked Questions About Guanidine Thiocyanate
1. What safety precautions should be taken when handling Guanidine Thiocyanate?
Guanidine Thiocyanate requires careful handling. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood as it may cause respiratory irritation. Avoid inhalation of dust and direct skin contact. In case of accidental exposure, wash thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
2. How should Guanidine Thiocyanate be stored for optimal shelf life?
Store Guanidine Thiocyanate in its original container at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry environment. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption. Properly stored, Guanidine Thiocyanate typically remains stable for at least 3 years from the date of manufacture. For long-term storage, consider using desiccants in the storage area.
3. Can Guanidine Thiocyanate be used for both DNA and RNA extraction?
Yes, Guanidine Thiocyanate is effective for both DNA and RNA extraction, though it's more commonly used for RNA isolation. For RNA extraction, it's often combined with phenol-chloroform in solutions like TRIzol. The strong denaturing properties of Guanidine Thiocyanate help inactivate RNases and DNases, protecting nucleic acids from degradation during extraction.
4. What is the difference between Guanidine Thiocyanate and Guanidine Hydrochloride?
While both are chaotropic salts, Guanidine Thiocyanate is more potent than Guanidine Hydrochloride in denaturing proteins. The thiocyanate ion in Guanidine Thiocyanate provides additional protein denaturing capability, making it particularly effective for nucleic acid purification where complete RNase/DNase inactivation is required. However, Guanidine Hydrochloride is sometimes preferred when thiocyanate interference might affect downstream applications.
5. How does Guanidine Thiocyanate work in nucleic acid extraction?
Guanidine Thiocyanate disrupts hydrogen bonding networks in water, making hydrophobic regions of proteins more soluble. This causes proteins to unfold (denature) and separates them from nucleic acids. Simultaneously, it inactivates nucleases that would otherwise degrade RNA or DNA. The high ionic strength also helps nucleic acids precipitate when alcohol is added, facilitating their isolation.
Quality Assurance
Our Guanidine Thiocyanate undergoes rigorous quality control testing including:
- Purity verification by HPLC
- Heavy metal contamination testing
- Endotoxin level analysis
- Biological activity testing in nucleic acid extraction
- Stability testing under various storage conditions
Technical Support
For specific protocols using Guanidine Thiocyanate in your applications, our technical team can provide detailed methodologies optimized for various sample types including tissues, cells, and biological fluids. Contact our support team for customized protocols or troubleshooting assistance.