Aqueous Solutions of Peptides and Trialkylamines Lead to Unexpected Peptide Modification

When trialkylamines are added to buffered solutions of peptides, unexpected adducts can be formed. These adducts correspond to Schiff base products. The source of the reaction is the unexpected presence of aldehydes in amines. The aldehydes can be detected in a few ways. Most importantly, they can lead to unanticipated results in proteomics experiments. Their undesirable effects can be minimized through the addition of other amines.

Automated summary

When trialkylamines are added to buffered solutions of peptides, unexpected Schiff base products can form due to the presence of aldehydes in the amines. Detection of aldehydes and addition of other amines can help minimize the undesirable effects of these adducts in proteomics experiments.