TEMED (CAS 110-18-9)

TEMED, or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine, is a chemical compound extensively used in biochemical research as a catalyst in the polymerization of acrylamide, particularly in the preparation of polyacrylamide gels for electrophoresis. This compound plays a critical role by accelerating the polymerization of acrylamide and bisacrylamide into polyacrylamide gels, a process pivotal for the separation of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The specific mechanism through which TEMED acts involves the promotion of the formation of free radicals generated from ammonium persulfate, another common reagent in gel preparation. These radicals initiate the polymerization chain reaction of acrylamide, leading to the gel matrix formation. The rapid catalysis by TEMED is crucial for achieving a uniform gel polymerization, which is essential for consistent electrophoretic runs. Researchers value TEMED for its efficiency and reliability in creating gels with well-defined pore sizes, which are key for the resolution and separation of samples based on size and charge. Additionally, the use of TEMED is not limited to protein electrophoresis; it also finds applications in DNA sequencing and other molecular biology techniques where precise molecular separation is required. Its role in these applications makes TEMED an indispensable tool in the arsenal of molecular biologists and chemists alike, facilitating detailed analysis and insights into the molecular structure and interactions.