Guanidine Thiocyanate: A Key Player in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries

Guanidine Thiocyanate,CAS 593-84-0 is an organic sulfur compound with the molecular formula C₂H₆N₄S and a molecular weight of 118.16 g/mol. This white crystalline powder is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents, with a melting point ranging between 118-122℃. As a potent chaotropic agent, it effectively disrupts hydrogen bonding networks in aqueous solutions, making it particularly valuable for biological applications where protein denaturation is required.

Key Properties and Characteristics

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and other polar solvents

Purity: Available in reagent grade with purity ≥99.0%

Storage: Stable at room temperature with a typical shelf life of 1 year

Special Handling: Light-sensitive and requires protection from moisture

Multifaceted Applications Across Industries

1. Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Guanidine Thiocyanate serves as a powerful protein denaturant and nucleic acid protective agent in molecular biology applications. Its primary function lies in efficient cell lysis and inactivation of ribonucleases (RNases), making it indispensable for RNA extraction and purification. The compound's strong chaotropic properties enable it to destroy the three-dimensional structure of proteins, including RNases, thereby protecting RNA from degradation during isolation procedures. This application has become increasingly crucial in diagnostic testing, clinical research, and biopharmaceutical development.

2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Beyond nucleic acid extraction, Guanidine Thiocyanate functions as an important pharmaceutical intermediate in synthesizing various active compounds. Recent research highlights the significance of guanidine-containing compounds in drug development, with guanidine alkaloids and derivatives demonstrating diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor properties. The guanidine group serves as a key pharmacophore that can interact with biological targets through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions.

3. Industrial Applications

In industrial contexts, Guanidine Thiocyanate finds application as a strong fat-degrading agent in cosmetics and personal care formulations. Additionally, it serves as a specialized reagent for metal extraction processes where its complexation properties enhance mineral flotation efficiency and metal recovery rates, particularly for precious metals. Emerging research also explores its potential as an adsorption agent to improve conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).

Quality Assurance and Supply Chain Considerations

At Horay Industry, we understand that consistent quality is paramount for research and industrial applications. Our Guanidine Thiocyanate meets rigorous quality standards, with purity levels ≥99% suitable for even the most sensitive applications. Proper handling and storage are essential for maintaining product integrity, particularly given the compound's sensitivity to light and moisture. As part of our commitment to customer success, we provide comprehensive technical data and support to ensure optimal performance in our clients' specific applications.