1,4-Dithioerythritol
1,4-Dithioerythritol (CAS: 6892-68-8) is a vital biochemical reagent with the linear formula HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SH and a molecular weight of 154.25 g/mol. This dithiol compound is primarily employed to maintain thiol groups in their reduced state and is highly effective in the quantitative reduction of disulfide bonds. Its purity makes it a reliable choice for demanding biochemical and molecular biology applications.
- IUPAC
- erythro-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol,erythro-2,3-Dihydroxy-1,4-butanedithiol,Cleland’s reagent,DTE
- Synonyms
- HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SHerythro-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediolerythro-2,3-Dihydroxy-1,4-butanedithiolCleland’s reagentDTE

Disulfide Bond Reduction
1,4-Dithioerythritol is a potent reducing agent that efficiently cleaves disulfide bonds in proteins and peptides, facilitating structural studies and preventing unwanted re-oxidation.
Maintaining Reduced Thiols
It serves to keep sulfhydryl groups in a reduced state, which is crucial for preserving the activity of enzymes or proteins sensitive to oxidation.
Biochemical Research
Utilised in various biochemical assays and experiments where controlling the redox state of thiol groups is essential for accurate results.
Denaturation Studies
As a denaturation agent, it aids in unfolding proteins by disrupting internal disulfide linkages, assisting in the analysis of protein structure.
| Molecular weight | 154.25 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SH |
| Assay | ≥99.0% |
| Grade | for molecular biology |
| Solubility | H2O: soluble0.1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless |
| pH | 4.0-6.0 (25 °C, 0.1 M in H2O) |
| Storage temperature | 2-8°C |
| Melting point | 82-84 °C(lit.) |
| Impurities tested | insoluble matter, passes filter test≤0.5% 4,5-dihydroxy-1,2-dithiane |
| Application | Reagent for maintaining −SH groups in the reduced state; quantitatively reduces disulfides. |

Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 3335 |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36 |
| Anion traces | sulfate (SO42-): ≤50 mg/kg |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Product Line | BioReagent |
|---|---|
| Foreign Activity | DNase, Exonuclease detection, RNase, and protease, none detected |
| Uv Absorption | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.400λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.050 |
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is 1,4-Dithioerythritol used for?
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1,4-Dithioerythritol (CAS: 6892-68-8) is used as a reagent to maintain sulfhydryl groups in their reduced state and to quantitatively reduce disulfide bonds. It is commonly employed in biochemical and molecular biology applications, including protein denaturation and structural analysis.
What are the CAS number and formula for 1,4-Dithioerythritol?
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The CAS number for 1,4-Dithioerythritol is 6892-68-8. Its linear formula is HSCH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2SH.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies 1,4-Dithioerythritol at a purity of ≥99.0%, specifically for molecular biology applications (BioReagent grade). TSS does not represent this product as USP, BP, or EP grade.
How should 1,4-Dithioerythritol be handled safely?
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1,4-Dithioerythritol is classified as a Warning substance, causing skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). Appropriate personal protective equipment, including a dust mask (type N95 US), eyeshields, and gloves, should be used. Work in a well-ventilated area. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for full handling instructions.
How is 1,4-Dithioerythritol shipped and exported?
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Tech Serve Solutions is a specialist global supplier and exporter of fine chemicals. 1,4-Dithioerythritol is packaged and shipped according to international regulations for chemical transport. Please contact us for specific export details to your region.
How can I request a quote or sample for 1,4-Dithioerythritol?
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To request a quote or a sample of 1,4-Dithioerythritol, please visit our website or contact our sales team directly. Provide your specific requirements, including quantity and destination, for prompt assistance.
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