In the intricate world of specialty chemicals, understanding the properties and applications of key compounds is vital for scientific advancement and industrial innovation. N-Ethylmaleimide (CAS 128-53-0) is one such compound that offers significant utility across various scientific disciplines, particularly in biochemistry and organic synthesis. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality chemicals in China, we aim to provide comprehensive information to assist researchers and procurement specialists. This article offers an overview of N-Ethylmaleimide's properties and its primary uses, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from a reliable supplier.

N-Ethylmaleimide is an organic compound characterized by a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing two carbonyl groups adjacent to a nitrogen atom, with an ethyl group attached to the nitrogen. Its chemical formula is C6H7NO2, and it is identified by CAS number 128-53-0. Key properties include:

  • Physical Appearance: Typically presented as an off-white to white crystalline solid powder.
  • Purity: For critical applications, high purity is essential. We supply N-Ethylmaleimide with a purity of 98% by HPLC, ensuring minimal impurities and consistent reactivity.
  • Reactivity: The maleimide moiety is highly reactive towards nucleophiles, especially thiols, via a Michael addition reaction. This selective reactivity is the basis for many of its applications.
  • Solubility: It exhibits solubility in various organic solvents, facilitating its use in different reaction media.

The principal applications of N-Ethylmaleimide are rooted in its specific reactivity:

  • Protein Modification and Crosslinking: N-Ethylmaleimide is widely used to modify cysteine residues in proteins. By reacting with the thiol group of cysteine, it can introduce an ethylmaleimide moiety. This process is crucial for creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), stabilizing protein structures, and studying protein function. Its ability to act as a protein crosslinker is invaluable in biopharmaceutical development and diagnostics.
  • Peptide Synthesis: In peptide synthesis, N-Ethylmaleimide is used to protect cysteine residues or to facilitate the conjugation of peptides with other molecules. The controlled addition of the maleimide group ensures specificity in complex peptide chains.
  • Organic Synthesis: As a reactive intermediate, it participates in various organic reactions, including Diels-Alder cycloadditions and Michael additions, to build complex organic molecules, often serving as a precursor for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
  • Biochemical Assays: It can be employed in specific biochemical assays to detect or quantify thiols, or to inhibit enzymes that rely on free thiol groups for their activity.

For R&D professionals and procurement managers, securing a reliable source for high-purity N-Ethylmaleimide is essential. As a manufacturer and supplier in China, we offer competitive pricing and a consistent supply chain. We encourage you to request a quote for N-Ethylmaleimide (CAS 128-53-0) to discuss your needs. Our commitment is to provide the quality and service necessary to support your research and production endeavors.

In summary, N-Ethylmaleimide (CAS 128-53-0) is a critical specialty chemical with well-defined properties and diverse applications, particularly in protein modification and peptide synthesis. By choosing a reputable Chinese manufacturer and supplier, you can ensure the acquisition of high-purity N-Ethylmaleimide necessary for your advanced chemical and biological research needs.