DADA (Diisopropylamine Dichloroacetate)
DADA (Diisopropylamine Dichloroacetate) is a synthetic organic amine salt composed of a cationic diisopropylamine moiety complexed with an anionic dichloroacetate partner. In cellular bioenergetics and metabolic research, DADA serves as a highly specialized tool compound investigated for its role as an inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4).
By selectively targeting PDK4, DADA blocks the phosphorylation-mediated inactivation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), allowing researchers to study downstream shifts in mitochondrial respiration, oxidative phosphorylation kinetics, and the transition of cellular flux away from anaerobic glycolysis.
Structural Elements to Observe: The diagram above illustrates the active dichloroacetic acid (DCA) core of the salt. In DADA, this chlorinated organic acid is stabilized via an ionic bond to diisopropylamine. This specific salt configuration is extensively evaluated in solution chemistry to observe how the two counter-ions maintain molecular association and alter transport kinetics across varied buffer systems over time.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | DADA (Diisopropylamine Dichloroacetate) |
| CAS Number | 660-27-5 |
| IUPAC Name | diisopropylamine 2,2-dichloroacetate |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₇Cl₂NO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 230.13 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Dichloroacetate Salt / PDK4 Inhibitor |
| Assay Purity | Refer to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) supplied for the lot received |
| Physical Format | White crystalline powder |
| Solution Base | Deionized Water, Benzyl Alcohol |
Research Applications & Mechanism of Interest
DADA is heavily utilized in metabolic oncology, virology, and mitochondrial function assays to interrogate the metabolic reprogramming of cells under stress.
Primary fields of preclinical and in vitro laboratory investigation include:
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PDK4 Enzymatic Inhibition: Investigating how blocking PDK4 restores active, unphosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase, thereby accelerating the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA inside the mitochondrial matrix.
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Glycolytic Flux Alteration: Measuring rates of lactate production and cellular acidification. Investigators deploy DADA to study the “Warburg Effect” in metabolic disease and cancer cell lines, tracking cellular apoptosis when glycolysis is restricted.
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Ion-Pair Stability & Salt Association: Evaluating the structural behavior of the diisopropylamine-dichloroacetate pair in liquid chromatography and cell-free assay environments. Researchers check structural association over time across various pH gradients and buffer concentrations.
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Mitochondrial Respiration and ATP Yield: Utilizing oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assays to monitor the optimization of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and overall cellular energy yield.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Store at controlled room temperature. Keep tightly closed. Liquid formats: do not refrigerate or freeze. Cold storage may cause the solution to cloud or precipitate. If this occurs, return to room temperature and mix until clear.
Storage guidance is a house recommendation. Analytical documentation is per-lot release testing.
Related Research Compounds
Frequently Asked Research Questions
How does DADA differ from sodium dichloroacetate (NaDCA) in experimental models?
While both compounds deliver the active dichloroacetate anion to inhibit PDK, DADA utilizes a diisopropylamine counter-ion rather than a sodium ion. In specific cell-free and tissue assays, the presence of the organic amine counter-ion can significantly alter membrane permeability, ionization characteristics, and localized buffer compatibility compared to inorganic sodium salts.
Why is moisture protection so critical for DADA crystalline powder?
As an organic amine salt, DADA is inherently hygroscopic. If exposed to ambient moisture, the crystalline matrix will absorb water molecules, resulting in physical clumping. This does not necessarily degrade the covalent bonds, but it alters the compound’s moisture weight, compromising the precision of micro-molar solution preparation.
Scientific References
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Yamane, K., et al. (2014). “Diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, a novel pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders and multiorgan failure in severe influenza.” PLoS ONE, 9(5), e98032. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0098032.
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Bonnet, S., et al. (2007). “A mitochondria-K+ channel axis is suppressed in cancer and defines a novel therapeutic target.” Cancer Cell, 11(1), 37–51. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2006.10.020.
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Stacpoole, P. W., et al. (2003). “Dichloroacetate for treatment of congenital lactic acidosis.” Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(4), 652–654. doi:10.1289/ehp.5963.
Research Use Only Disclaimer: This compound is developed, manufactured, and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical. It is not an FDA-approved drug, licensed medication, active pharmaceutical ingredient, or dietary supplement, and is strictly prohibited for human or veterinary consumption. Kimera Chems supplies these reference standards exclusively to accredited institutional laboratories, academic research departments, and certified investigators for in vitro analytical assays.
