Guanidine is a small, strongly basic nitrogen-containing chemical compound with the molecular formula CH₅N₃ and a molecular weight of 59.07 g/mol. It is an important chemical building block used in pharmaceutical synthesis, biochemical research and the manufacture of various guanidine derivatives.
Guanidine contains a highly basic functional group and is commonly handled in the form of its salts, including guanidine hydrochloride and guanidine carbonate. The free compound is mainly relevant as a chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate rather than as a conventional finished-drug active ingredient.
Guanidine is a nitrogen-rich organic base with three nitrogen atoms surrounding a central carbon atom. Its strong basicity makes it useful for chemical synthesis and for introducing guanidine functionality into pharmaceutical molecules.
Guanidine and its derivatives have applications across pharmaceutical, biochemical and chemical industries. Guanidine-containing structures are present in a number of biologically active compounds.
Guanidine has the molecular formula CH₅N₃, a molecular weight of 59.07 g/mol, and CAS Number 113-00-8. The free base is a strongly alkaline material and is generally encountered as a solid. Because of its strong basic character and high affinity for water, it is commonly handled with appropriate moisture and chemical-safety controls.
Guanidine is used primarily as a chemical and pharmaceutical building block for:
Guanidine can be produced through controlled chemical synthesis and subsequent purification. Depending on the intended application, quality control may include identification, assay, water content, residue on ignition, impurities and other parameters specified by the applicable material specification.
For pharmaceutical-intermediate applications, batch-specific analytical documentation should be reviewed to confirm identity, purity and consistency.
Guanidine should be stored in a tightly closed container, protected from moisture and excessive heat. Handling should follow the manufacturer's current SDS and storage requirements because of its strongly basic nature.
Depending on the grade and intended application, documentation may include:
Guanidine is an important nitrogen-containing chemical building block with applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, biochemical research and specialty chemical manufacturing. Its high basicity and versatile chemical reactivity make it useful for producing a wide range of guanidine-containing compounds.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 11.0 – 13.0 |
| Individual Impurity | ≤ 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 50–55°C |