Chemical Identity and Structure

N-(2-Aminoethyl)glycine (AEG) is a small, bifunctional molecule that combines the structural features of an ethylenediamine unit with a glycine residue. Its molecular formula is C₄H₁₀N₂O₂, giving a molecular weight of approximately 118.13 g/mol. The molecule contains three key nitrogen/oxygen functionalities: a terminal primary amine (–NH₂), a secondary amine linking the ethylene bridge to the acetic acid moiety (–NH–), and a carboxylic acid group (–COOH).

This arrangement of functional groups endows AEG with considerable chemical versatility. The primary amine is available for acylation reactions used in stepwise PNA monomer coupling, while the secondary amine forms the nitrogen center of the repeating PNA backbone unit. The carboxylic acid terminus enables chain elongation through standard amide-bond-forming chemistries. Because AEG is achiral at its backbone, PNA oligomers assembled from it lack the chirality inherent in natural DNA and RNA sugar-phosphate backbones, which has important consequences for hybridization thermodynamics.

Role in Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Synthesis

Peptide nucleic acids are synthetic nucleic acid analogues in which the natural deoxyribose-phosphate backbone is replaced by a pseudo-peptide scaffold composed of repeating N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine units. Each AEG unit is functionalized at its secondary nitrogen with a nucleobase-acetic acid side chain, recreating the base-stacking and hydrogen-bonding capacity needed for Watson-Crick hybridization to complementary DNA or RNA strands.

In solid-phase PNA synthesis, Boc- or Fmoc-protected AEG-derived monomers are coupled sequentially to a resin-bound growing chain, much like standard Fmoc peptide synthesis. Because the AEG backbone is uncharged at physiological pH — unlike the negatively charged phosphodiester backbone of natural nucleic acids — PNA:DNA and PNA:RNA duplexes are generally more thermally stable, with higher melting temperatures compared with equivalent DNA:DNA duplexes of the same sequence. This enhanced affinity makes PNA tools powerful for antisense, antigene, diagnostic, and biosensor applications.

N-(2-Aminoethyl)glycine (SKU: A124646) from Aladdin Scientific provides researchers with the fundamental building block needed to prepare custom PNA monomers or to explore backbone-modification strategies in nucleic acid chemistry research.

Research Applications Beyond PNA Backbone Assembly

While AEG is most widely recognized as the PNA backbone precursor, its bifunctional amine-acid character makes it useful in a range of other research contexts. In coordination chemistry and chelation studies, the secondary amine and carboxylate of AEG can participate in metal-ion complexation, offering a simple scaffold for exploring nitrogen/oxygen donor ligands. Similarly, AEG has been evaluated as a building block in combinatorial chemistry libraries targeting peptidomimetic or small-molecule drug discovery programs.

In bioconjugation and linker chemistry, the free primary amine of AEG can be selectively reacted with NHS esters, isocyanates, or aldehydes (via reductive amination) to install functional handles on surfaces, nanoparticles, or biomolecules while the carboxylate end remains available for further coupling. This two-point reactivity also makes AEG a candidate spacer or bifunctional crosslinker in the preparation of labeled probes and affinity reagents.

Researchers working on modified oligonucleotide backbones — including those studying morpholino, phosphoramidate, or mixed-backbone analogues — may also use AEG as a reference compound or intermediate in mechanistic and structure-activity relationship studies.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

N-(2-Aminoethyl)glycine is a solid reagent at room temperature. As with all amine-containing compounds, it should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Inhalation of dust should be avoided; work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood is recommended when weighing or transferring the compound.

For storage, the reagent should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers and acids, which could react with the free amine functionalities. Specific recommended storage temperatures and confirmed shelf-life data should be verified against the certificate of analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot of A124646 from Aladdin Scientific.

Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for A124646 for complete hazard classifications, first-aid measures, and disposal guidance in accordance with local regulations. Precise GHS classifications and H/P statements are lot-specific and should be confirmed from the official SDS document.

Why Choose Aladdin Scientific A124646

Aladdin Scientific supplies N-(2-Aminoethyl)glycine (SKU: A124646) as a research-grade reagent intended for use in synthetic chemistry, nucleic acid analogue research, and related life-science applications. Each lot is accompanied by a certificate of analysis detailing purity and identity confirmation by standard analytical methods.

Procurement teams will find competitive pricing and flexible pack sizes to match both exploratory research needs and larger-scale synthesis programs. Aladdin Scientific's quality control processes are designed to give researchers confidence that the reagent meets the specification required for sensitive downstream applications such as PNA monomer synthesis, where backbone purity directly affects coupling efficiency and final oligomer quality.

For technical questions about specifications, compatibility, or custom quantities of A124646, researchers and lab managers are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team directly.