DL-1,4-Dithiothreitol

Molecular Structure of Dithiothreitol (CAS NO.3483-12-3):

Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O₂S₂
Molecular Weight: 154.251
IUPAC Name: 1,4-Bis(sulfanyl)butane-2,3-diol
CAS NO: 3483-12-3
Classification Code: Drug / Therapeutic Agent ; Mutation data
Melting point: 41-44 °C 
Index of Refraction: 1.579
Molar Refractivity: 39.36 cm³
Molar Volume: 118.4 cm³
Surface Tension: 55.5 dyne/cm
Density: 1.302 g/cm³
Flash Point: 174.2 °C
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 70.67 kJ/mol
Boiling Point: 364.5 °C at 760 mmHg
Vapour Pressure: 8.68E-07 mmHg at 25 °C
EINECS: 222-468-7
Product Categories: Chemistry 
storage temp.: 2-8 °C
solubility: H₂O: 50 mg/mL, clear, colorless
Water Solubility: freely soluble
Sensitive: Air Sensitive 
Stability: Stability Stable, but heat sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Keep frozen at -20 to -10 °C.
Appearance: White solid

A common use of  Dithiothreitol (CAS NO.3483-12-3) is as a reducing or "deprotecting" agent for thiolated DNA. It is frequently used to reduce the disulfide bonds of proteins and, more generally, to prevent intramolecular and intermolecular disulfide bonds from forming between cysteine residues of proteins. It can also be used as an oxidizing agent.

Hazard Codes of Dithiothreitol (CAS NO.3483-12-3): Xn
Risk Statements: 25-36/37/38-20/21/22 
R25: Toxic if swallowed. 
R36/37/38: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. 
R20/21/22: Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Safety Statements: 26-45-37/39-36 
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. 
S45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.) 
S37/39: Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. 
S36: Wear suitable protective clothing.
WGK Germany: 3
RTECS: EK1610000
F: 3-10-16-23
Poison by subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SO_x.

 Dithiothreitol (CAS NO.3483-12-3), its Synonyms are (R*,R*)-(+-)-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol ; 1,4-Dithiothreitol ; 2,3-Butanediol, 1,4-dimercapto-, DL-threo- ; Cleland reagent ; Cleland's reagent ; D-1,4-Dithiothreitol ; D-threo-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol ; DL-threo-1,4-Dimercapto-2,3-butanediol ; Sputolysin ; Threitol, 1,4-dithio- ; (R*,R*)-(1)-1,4-Dimercaptobutane-2,3-diol ; (R*,R*)-1,4-Dimercaptobutane-2,3-diol ; 2,3-Butanediol, 1,4-dimercapto-, (2R,3R)-rel- ; 2,3-Butanediol, 1,4-dimercapto-, (R*,R*)- (+-)- (9CI) ; 2,3-Butanediol, 1,4-dimercapto-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)- ; 2,3-Butanediol, 1,4-dimercapto-, D-threo- . Due to air oxidation, Dithiothreitol is a relatively unstable compound whose useful life can be extended by refrigeration and handling in an inert atmosphere. Since protonated sulfurs have lowered nucleophilicities, it becomes less potent as the pH lowers. Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine HCl (TCEP hydrochloride) is an alternative which is more stable and works even at low pH.