DTT Stability

[Frank R. Gorga]

Friedemann Janus wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> so, how stable is DTT in aequeous solutions ?
> Hours ? Days ?
> 
> Any ideas ?
> 
> Friedemann

I can't answer your question directly, but I can tell you how to find 
out. 

Oxidized DTT absorbs light at about 280 nm whereas the reduced form does 
not (see Cleland's original paper, Biochemistry (1964), vol 3, p480). 
Thus you should be able to moniter the oxidation directly in 'simple' 
solutions (i.e those that do not contain other things that absorb at 280 
nm.)

The major factor (other than time and temperature) which should effect 
the stability of DTT is pH. The higher the pH the less stable DTT will be 
(thioate anions are generally more reactive that thiols).

I hope that this helps.  

-- F.R. Gorga

***********************************
Frank R. Gorga, Ph.D.
Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412-396-5858 / 412-396-5683 (fax)
gorga at next.duq.edu