N,N’ – Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (1,3 DCC) CAS No. 538-75-0

N,N’-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) is a hydrophobic, waxy white solid primarily used as a coupling and dehydrating agent in organic synthesis. It is essential for creating amide and ester bonds—most notably in artificial peptide synthesis, where it activates carboxylic acid groups to link amino acids together.

Chemical Formula: (C₆H₁₁N)₂C

CAS Number: 538-75-0

Common Applications

Peptide Synthesis: Acts as a coupling reagent to activate amino acids. It is frequently paired with auxiliary nucleophiles like HOBt or Oxyma Pure to prevent side reactions like racemization.
Esterification & Amidation: Promotes the condensation of carboxylic acids with alcohols to form esters, or with amines to form amides.Dehydration

Reactions: Used to convert primary alcohols into aldehydes (e.g., Moffatt oxidation) and primary amides into nitriles

Safety & Handling
Toxicity: DCC is a severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritant and is highly toxic upon contact. It is known to be a contact allergen, so appropriate PPE (gloves, safety goggles, and fume hood) must always be used.

Storage: Because it is moisture-sensitive, it should be stored in a tightly sealed container under refrigeration to prevent degradation.