How Do You Spell DIETHYLPYROCARBONATE?

1. Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C10H12O5 and a molar mass of 212.20 grams per mole. It is a pale yellow liquid that is commonly used as a chemical reagent in various laboratory procedures, especially those involving biological substances.

   DEPC is primarily utilized as a strong, selective and irreversible inhibitor of biological enzymatic activity. It exerts this inhibitory effect by covalently modifying amino acid residues in proteins, particularly histidine and tyrosine residues, which are important for enzyme activity. By targeting these specific residues, DEPC effectively suppresses enzymatic catalysis, making it an excellent tool for studying enzyme behavior and other related biological processes.

   Furthermore, DEPC possesses unique chemical properties, making it useful as a reagent for treating water and other solutions to eliminate contamination from RNases (ribonucleases). These enzymes can be highly detrimental to various laboratory techniques, such as molecular biology experiments involving RNA. DEPC readily reacts with the histidine residues present in RNases, resulting in their inactivation and ensuring the preservation of RNA integrity.

   However, it is important to note that DEPC is highly toxic and poses health risks if mishandled. It can cause severe eye and skin irritation, and ingestion or inhalation can lead to respiratory distress or other serious health complications. Due to its potential hazards, DEPC should only be handled by trained professionals in a well-ventilated laboratory setting, following strict safety protocols and with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Common Misspellings for DIETHYLPYROCARBONATE

The word "diethylpyrocarbonate" is derived from the combination of several components:

1. "Di-" indicates two, meaning there are two ethyl groups in the molecule.

2. "Ethyl" refers to a two-carbon alkyl group (-CH2-CH3).

3. "Pyro-" comes from the Greek prefix "pyro", which means fire or heat. In organic chemistry, it often denotes a reaction involving high temperatures.

4. "Carbonate" refers to a chemical compound containing a carbonate group (-CO3) or a group derived from carbonic acid.

Therefore, "diethylpyrocarbonate" describes a compound with two ethyl groups functionalized with a carbonate-like group, suggesting its potential reactivity under pyrolysis conditions.