DTT vs. Beta Mercaptoethanol.. which is a stronger reducing agent? - what are the optimum conditions for each? thnks! (Jan/09/2008 )

DTT vs. Beta Mercaptoethanol.. which is a stronger reducing agent?
what are the optimum conditions for each? i knw DTT works good at pH near 8.0. what else?

thnks!

Hi
both are very effective reducing agents...choice depends upon you and your lab conditions.
here in my friends lab, they were told to stop using Beta Mercaptoethanol when one of the member became pregnant.
i feel Beta Mercaptoethanol is more pungent than DTT

I would prefer DTT but for some experiments you have to use mercaptoethanol. It stinks so bad that you want to run away from the lab.

DTT, because it forms a stable 6-member ring structure after it performs the reduction reaction and does not reverse back, therefore you can use it at lower concentration.

pH (~8.0), 1-5 mM EDTA, reaction under inert gas envirument are three important factors when you use any reducing agents.