Oligonucleotide synthesis reagents

4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)

CAS1122-28-7

4,5-Dicyanoimidazole (DCI, CAS 1122-28-7) is an imidazole-based activator for the coupling step of phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis. DCI is less acidic but more nucleophilic than 1H-tetrazole and far more soluble in acetonitrile, which shortens coupling times and allows lower phosphoramidite excess in large-scale synthesis. KingPharm supplies DCI for research and manufacturing, with a batch-specific certificate of analysis.

Chemical structure of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)
C5H2N4 · 118.1 g/mol
CAS No.
1122-28-7
Formula
C5H2N4
Mol. weight
118.1 g/mol
Appearance
White to Off-white Powder

Product Description

4,5-Dicyanoimidazole, commonly known as DCI, is an imidazole-based activator used in phosphoramidite chemistry for oligonucleotide synthesis. It is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder.

During the coupling step, DCI protonates the diisopropylamino group of a nucleoside phosphoramidite and then displaces it to form a reactive imidazolide intermediate, which couples with the free 5′-hydroxyl group of the growing oligonucleotide chain.

Compared with 1H-tetrazole, DCI is less acidic (pKa about 5.2 against about 4.9) but more nucleophilic, and it dissolves in acetonitrile up to about 1.1 M. The higher nucleophilicity gives faster coupling, while the lower acidity reduces premature removal of the 5′-DMT group. The high solubility removes the risk of crystallisation in synthesizer lines and supports concentrated activator solutions for large-scale synthesis.

When evaluating DCI for a process, buyers usually check the assay, the water content, the clarity and colour of a solution in acetonitrile, packaging integrity and batch-to-batch consistency.

Chemical Specifications

Identifiers

CAS number 1122-28-7
Product name 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)
Chinese name 4,5-二氰基咪唑
IUPAC name 1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile
Synonyms 4,5-Imidazoledicarbonitrile; Imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile
Chinese synonyms 4,5-二氰咪唑
Molecular formula C5H2N4
Molecular weight 118.1 g/mol
EC number 214-344-6
MDL number MFCD00005194
PubChem CID 70729
InChIKey XGDRLCRGKUCBQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES C1=NC(=C(N1)C#N)C#N

Physical and chemical properties

Appearance White to Off-white Powder
Melting Point 173.0-178.0 ( ℃ )

Applications

DCI is used at the coupling step of solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, usually as a solution in anhydrous acetonitrile.

DNA and RNA synthesis

DCI activates nucleoside phosphoramidites on automated DNA and RNA synthesizers, typically as a 0.25 M solution in anhydrous acetonitrile.

Large-scale oligonucleotide manufacturing

Fast coupling with DCI allows lower phosphoramidite excess, which reduces monomer cost in kilogram-scale manufacture of therapeutic oligonucleotides.

Modified and long oligonucleotides

DCI is suited to 2′-modified monomers and long sequences, where coupling efficiency at each cycle determines the full-length yield.

Synthetic intermediate

DCI also serves as a building block for imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid derivatives and other functionalised imidazoles.

Quality Documentation

The following documents can be provided for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) to support technical evaluation and purchasing. Documents are issued for the specific grade and batch supplied.

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) Batch-specific test results against the specification.
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Hazard identification, safe handling, storage and transport information.
  • Product specification The release specification with test items, limits and methods.
  • Method of Analysis (MOA) Detailed analytical procedures for the test methods listed in the specification.
Request documents

Packaging, Storage & Transport

Storage Temp Room Temp., Dry, Tighten Container ( ℃ )
Available pack sizes 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg

Safety and transport

UN/ID No Transport Information N/A
Hazard Level 固体普货

Read the current safety data sheet before handling. Packaging can be adapted to the order quantity and destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does DCI compare with 1H-tetrazole and ETT?

DCI is less acidic than 1H-tetrazole and ETT but more nucleophilic, and much more soluble in acetonitrile (about 1.1 M against about 0.5 M for 1H-tetrazole). It couples fast while causing less detritylation of the monomer, so it is often chosen for large-scale synthesis.

What concentration of DCI is used?

A 0.25 M solution in anhydrous acetonitrile is the most common choice; higher concentrations up to about 1 M are used where faster coupling is needed.

How should DCI be stored?

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature, protected from moisture, preferably under inert gas.

What is the CAS number of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)?

The CAS Registry Number of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) is 1122-28-7. 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) is also known as 4,5-Imidazoledicarbonitrile; Imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile.

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)?

The molecular formula of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) is C5H2N4, and its molecular weight is 118.1 g/mol.

What is 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) used for?

DCI is used at the coupling step of solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, usually as a solution in anhydrous acetonitrile.

What is the transport classification of 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)?

Transport information for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI): UN/ID No Transport Information: N/A. See the safety data sheet for full details.

Which quality documents are available for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)?

The following documents are available for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI): Certificate of Analysis (COA); Safety Data Sheet (SDS); Product specification; Method of Analysis (MOA). Contact KingPharm to request the documents for a specific batch.

How can I request a quotation for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)?

Send an inquiry for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI) (CAS 1122-28-7) with the required quantity, target specification, destination country and any documentation requirements. KingPharm will confirm availability, packaging, lead time and price.

Request a Quote for 4,5-Dicyanoimidazole(DCI)

Tell us the required quantity, target specification, destination country and any documentation requirements. We will confirm availability, packaging, lead time and price.

Page last reviewed on by Leo Xiao.