guanidiniumchloride

Guanidinium chloride is a chemical compound that forms when guanidine reacts with hydrochloric acid. It is the salt of the guanidinium cation and chloride anion and is commonly used in biochemical applications.

The chemical formula is [C(NH2)3]Cl. The guanidinium cation is planar and highly resonance-stabilized, carrying a single positive charge that is delocalized over the three amino groups attached to the central carbon; the chloride ion serves as the counterion.

It is prepared by treating guanidine with hydrochloric acid to yield the salt, which can be crystallized from solution. It can also be obtained indirectly from guanidine-containing salts by acidification.

Guanidinium chloride is a white solid that is highly soluble in water and is hygroscopic. It is stable under normal conditions but decomposes at elevated temperatures. It is typically used in relatively high concentrations as a denaturant in biochemical protocols.

As a strong chaotropic agent, guanidinium chloride disrupts hydrogen bonding and destabilizes hydrophobic interactions, effectively denaturing proteins. It is used in protein folding studies, enzyme inactivation, and various buffer formulations in biomolecular purification. It may also appear in nucleic acid extraction and related procedures as part of denaturing buffers, though other guanidinium salts are more commonly associated with some extraction methods.

Safety considerations include handling as a corrosive and irritant substance. Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes; use appropriate personal protective equipment and work in a well-ventilated area. Proper storage in a dry environment is advised to prevent moisture uptake.