denaturanten

Denaturanten, or denaturants, are chemical agents that cause denaturation, the disruption of the native three‑dimensional structure of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, or that render liquids undrinkable. In biochemistry, denaturation refers to unfolding or loss of function due to disruption of non‑covalent interactions, while in industry denaturation refers to making a liquid unfit for consumption.

For proteins, common denaturants include chaotropic agents such as urea and guanidinium salts (guanidinium hydrochloride, guanidinium thiocyanate) and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). They disrupt hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic networks, leading to unfolding. Physical factors like heat or extreme pH also act as denaturants. In nucleic acids, denaturants can separate strands by disrupting base pairing, and they are used in procedures such as RNA isolation or PCR-related protocols.

Industrial denaturation of ethanol and other solvents involves adding denaturants to render the liquid undrinkable while preserving its usability for industrial purposes. Common agents include methanol, isopropanol, acetone, and bittering additives such as denatonium benzoate, selected to meet regulatory requirements and deter consumption.

Safety and regulatory considerations: Denaturants are often toxic, caustic, or volatile and require appropriate handling, storage, and disposal. Their use is governed by safety data sheets and environmental and tax regulations, which vary by jurisdiction.