Guanidine hydrochloride
Guanidine hydrochloride (CAS: 50-01-1), with the formula NH2C(=NH)NH2 · HCl and a molecular weight of 95.53 g/mol, is a potent chaotropic agent. It is widely employed in biochemistry and molecular biology for its strong denaturing properties, facilitating protein unfolding and solubilisation. It serves as a critical reagent in protein refolding processes, DNA/RNA purification, and as a buffer component, essential for various life science applications.
- IUPAC
- Aminoformamidine hydrochloride,Aminomethanamidine hydrochloride,Guanidinium chloride
- Synonyms
- Aminoformamidine hydrochlorideAminomethanamidine hydrochlorideGuanidinium chloride

Protein Denaturation and Refolding
Guanidine hydrochloride is a strong chaotropic agent used to denature proteins and solubilize insoluble or inclusion body proteins. It is often the first step in refolding proteins or enzymes into their active conformations, sometimes in conjunction with reducing agents like DTT.
Nucleic Acid Purification
This compound is utilised in protocols for the purification of DNA and RNA. Its denaturing capabilities aid in the lysis of cells and the separation of nucleic acids from cellular components.
Buffer Component
As a buffer salt, Guanidine hydrochloride contributes to maintaining stable pH conditions in various biochemical and biological solutions. Its properties are useful in specific buffer formulations for molecular biology applications.
Biochemical Reagent
It serves as a general reagent in life sciences for denaturation and solubilisation purposes, supporting research in protein expression and purification, and other related fields.
| Molecular weight | 95.53 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | NH2C(=NH)NH2 · HCl |
| Assay | ≥99.0% |
| Grade | for molecular biology |
| Density | 1.18 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.465 |
| Solubility | H2O: soluble6 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless |
| Melting point | 180-185 °C(lit.) |
| pH | 4.5-6.0 (25 °C, 6 M in H2O) |
| Concentration | 8 M in H2O (filtered) |
| Loss on drying | ≤0.05% loss on drying, 20 °C (HV) |
| Impurities tested | DNases, none detectedRNases, none detectedinsoluble matter, passes filter testphosphatases, none detectedproteases, none detected |
| Application | Strong chaotropic agent useful for the denaturation and subsequent refolding of proteins. This strong denaturant can solubilize insoluble or denatured proteins such as inclusion bodies. This can be used as the first step in refolding proteins or enzymes into their active form. Urea and dithiothreitol (DTT) may also be necessary. |

Hazard statements
- H302Harmful if swallowed
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary statements
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xn |
| Risk statements (R) | 22-36/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 22 |
| Anion traces | sulfate (SO42-): ≤50 mg/kg |
| Ignition residue | ≤0.05% (as SO4) |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Quality Level | ELITE |
|---|---|
| Foreign Activity | DNase, RNase, none detected |
| Uv Absorption | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.03λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.02 |
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 Guanidine hydrochloride used for?
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Guanidine hydrochloride is primarily used as a strong chaotropic agent for protein denaturation and solubilisation, aiding in protein refolding, and in DNA/RNA purification protocols. It also functions as a buffer salt in specific applications.
What are the CAS number and formula for Guanidine hydrochloride?
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The CAS number for Guanidine hydrochloride is 50-01-1, and its chemical formula is NH2C(=NH)NH2 · HCl.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies Guanidine hydrochloride at ≥99.0% assay, with a 'for molecular biology' grade. This product is tested and confirmed to be free of DNases, RNases, and phosphatases.
How should Guanidine hydrochloride be handled safely?
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Guanidine hydrochloride is classified as harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, and causes serious eye irritation (H302, H315, H319). Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a dust mask (N95), eyeshields, face shields, and gloves. Avoid breathing dust and ensure good ventilation.
Is Guanidine hydrochloride a controlled substance?
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The provided data does not indicate that Guanidine hydrochloride is a controlled or scheduled substance.
How is Guanidine hydrochloride packed and exported?
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Guanidine hydrochloride is carefully packed to ensure its integrity during transport and is available for global export by Tech Serve Solutions.
How can I request a sample or quote for Guanidine hydrochloride?
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To request a sample or a quote for Guanidine hydrochloride, please contact the Tech Serve Solutions sales team via our website or your dedicated account manager.
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