Synonym: threo-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol, Cleland’s reagent, DTT
CAS Number 3483-12-3
Linear Formula HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SH
Molecular Weight 154.25
Beilstein Registry Number 1719757
EC Number 222-468-7
MDL number MFCD00004877
PubChem Substance ID 24867426
Application
An excellent reagent for maintaining SH groups in reduced state; quantitatively reduces disulfides. DTT is effective in sample buffers for reducing protein disulfide bonds prior to SDS-PAGE. DTT can also be used for reducing the disulfide bridge of the cross-linker N,N′-bis(acryloyl)cystamine to break apart the matrix of a polyacrylamide gel. DTT is less pungent and is less toxic than 2-mercaptoethanol. Typically, a seven fold lower concentration of DTT (100 mM) is needed than is used for 2-mercaptoethanol (5% v/v, 700 mM).
Other Notes
Isolation of RNA using guanidinium salts. Inclusion of a reductant enhances denaturation by breaking intramolecular protein disulfide bonds.