N-Ethylmaleimide

N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) is a organic compound that is derived from maleic anhydride. It is a reagent used in biochemistry and molecular biology applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone.

Structure and Properties

N-Ethylmaleimide has the molecular formula C6H7NO2. It is a derivative of maleic anhydride, with an ethyl group replacing one of the hydrogen atoms in the imide group. This gives NEM its unique properties, including its reactivity with thiol groups.

Uses

N-Ethylmaleimide is primarily used as a reagent in biochemistry and molecular biology. It is particularly useful for its ability to irreversibly inhibit enzymes that have a critical cysteine residue. This is due to its reactivity with thiol groups, which allows it to form a stable covalent bond with the cysteine residue, effectively blocking its activity.

In addition to its use in enzyme inhibition, NEM is also used in the study of protein structure and function. It can be used to label and identify cysteine residues in proteins, providing valuable information about the protein's structure and how it interacts with other molecules.

Safety

N-Ethylmaleimide is considered a hazardous substance. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this substance, including the use of personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation.

See Also

• Maleic anhydride
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Enzyme inhibition