Diphenylcarbodiimide, chemical formula 2162-74-5, is a compound that has attracted widespread attention in the field of organic chemistry. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of diphenylcarbodiimide, its properties, uses, and significance in various applications.

Diphenylcarbodiimide is a compound with the molecular formula C13H10N2. White to off-white crystalline solid, slightly soluble in water, easily soluble in acetone, ethanol, chloroform and other organic solvents. This compound is best known for its ability to serve as a versatile reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in the formation of amides and ureas.

One of the key properties of diphenylcarbodiimide is its reactivity with amines and carboxylic acids, leading to the formation of amides. This reaction is called a carbodiimide coupling reaction and is widely used in peptide synthesis and biomolecule modification. In addition, diphenylcarbodiimide can react with alcohols to form polyurethane, making it a valuable reagent in the production of polyurethane materials.

In the pharmaceutical industry, diphenylcarbodiimide can be used to synthesize various drugs and pharmaceutical intermediates. Its ability to promote amide bond formation is particularly valuable for the development of peptide drugs and bioconjugates. Furthermore, the compound’s reactivity toward carboxylic acids makes it a useful tool for conjugating drugs to targeting molecules, thereby enabling the design of targeted drug delivery systems.

In addition to their role in organic synthesis, diphenylcarbodiimides have been studied for their potential use in materials science. The compound’s reactivity towards alcohols makes it useful in the production of polyurethane foams, coatings and adhesives. Its ability to form polyurethane makes it an important ingredient in the formulation of durable, versatile polyurethane materials used in a wide range of industries from construction to automotive.

The importance of diphenylcarbodiimides extends into the fields of bioconjugation and bioorthogonal chemistry. Its reactivity toward biomolecules has been exploited for site-specific modification of proteins and nucleic acids, enabling the development of novel bioconjugates and bioimaging probes. Furthermore, the compound’s compatibility with aqueous environments makes it a valuable tool for developing bioorthogonal reactions to study biological processes in living systems.

In summary, diphenylcarbodiimide, chemical formula 2162-74-5, is a multifunctional compound with diverse applications in the fields of organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and bioconjugated chemistry. Its reactivity toward amines, carboxylic acids, and alcohols makes it a valuable reagent for the formation of amides, carbamates, and bioconjugates. As research in these areas continues to advance, diphenylcarbodiimides are likely to remain key players in the development of new materials and bioactive compounds, contributing to advancements in various scientific and industrial fields.