Carbodiimide

carbodiimide
IUPAC name: Synonyms: Formula: R1-N=C=N-R2
Uses:	dehydration reagent
Properties:	activates carboxylates
Hazards:
Mass (g/mol): CAS #:

Carbodiimides are a type of dehydrating chemical most often used to activate carboxylic acids for subsequent coupling with primary amines, producing an amide compound. the carboxyl group is often converted to an activated compound by forming an NHS-ester.

© Image: David E. Volk
Coupling of an amide group to a carboxylic acid activated by a carbodiimide.