2-NP-SCA

2-NP-SCA, or 2-nitrophenyl-3-mercapto-5-sulfonate, is a chemical compound that is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology research. It is a water-soluble, yellow-colored powder that is highly reactive and sensitive to light. The primary use of 2-NP-SCA is as a reagent for detecting and quantifying sulfhydryl groups in proteins and peptides. It is also used as a substrate for the assay of thiol protease activity. The compound works by reacting with sulfhydryl groups to form a yellow-colored product that can be measured spectrophotometrically. This makes it a useful tool for studying protein structure, function, and interactions. In terms of chemical information, 2-NP-SCA is a derivative of nitrophenol, a phenolic compound that is often used in the synthesis of dyes and pigments. It contains a nitro group (-NO2) and a sulfonate group (-SO3H) attached to a phenyl ring, as well as a thiol-reactive group (-SH) at the 3-position. The compound is stable under normal laboratory conditions, but it should be protected from light and stored in a dry, cool place. Overall, 2-NP-SCA is a valuable tool for researchers in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. Its ability to detect and quantify sulfhydryl groups makes it an important reagent for studying protein function and interactions, and its chemical properties make it a stable and reliable compound for laboratory use.