Carbodiimide chemistry refers to the use of carbodiimides as coupling agents, particularly in the formation of amide bonds. These agents are highly effective in facilitating the activation of carboxyl groups to react with amines, resulting in the formation of peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules. The commonly used carbodiimides in this context are EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) and DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide).
