CAS: 50-56-6 · MW: 1007.19 Da · Purity: ≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC · Format: 5 mg powder (acetate salt) · Identity: ESI-MS confirmed
Oxytocin is a small, well-known signaling peptide the body uses in reproduction and social behavior. This listing is the acetate salt form, a common, stable way to supply the peptide for research. Each vial holds 5 mg. Oxytocin is one of the most-studied peptides in neuroscience and physiology, which makes it a reliable reference compound.
Structure & Identity
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide, nine amino acids in the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂, closed into a ring by a disulfide bond between the two cysteines (Cys¹ and Cys⁶). That ring is essential to its shape and activity. Supplied as the acetate salt, it has the molecular formula C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ and a molecular weight of 1007.19 Da for the peptide.
Research Background
Oxytocin research spans receptor signaling, reproduction, and behavior.
- Cyclic nonapeptide. Oxytocin is a disulfide-cyclized nine-amino-acid signaling peptide [PMID: 29897293].
- Receptor signaling. Its receptor and intracellular signaling are mapped from pathways to behavior [PMID: 29897293].
- Reproductive physiology. Its mechanism in the myometrium is a classic research area [PMID: 24888645].
- Neural signaling. Its receptor signaling in the hippocampus is an active field [PMID: 30359747].
- Behavioral research. It is studied in maternally directed and social behavior [PMID: 40934325].
These are research contexts, not approved uses, and the peptide is intended for laboratory study.
Specifications
| Attribute |
Value |
| Chemical name |
Oxytocin |
| Also Known As |
(acetate salt) |
| Sequence |
Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (Cys¹-Cys⁶ disulfide) |
| CAS number |
50-56-6 (free peptide) |
| Molecular formula |
C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ |
| Molecular weight |
1007.19 g/mol |
| Purity |
≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC |
| Length |
9 amino acids (cyclic) |
| Identity |
Confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry |
| Physical form |
Lyophilized powder (acetate salt) |
| Appearance |
White to off-white solid |
| Quantity |
5 mg per vial |
| Storage |
-20°C, protected from light |
| Solubility |
Soluble in bacteriostatic or sterile water |
| Classification |
Research use only |
Storage & Handling
Keep the sealed vial frozen at -20°C and shielded from light until use. After reconstitution, store the solution at 2-8°C and use it within about two weeks. Warm the vial to room temperature before opening to limit condensation, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can disrupt the disulfide-bonded ring.
Storage and Handling Guide
Quality Assurance
Oxytocin acetate is produced under research-grade manufacturing controls and verified by an independent lab before release. Purity is measured by reverse-phase HPLC and identity by mass spectrometry, with testing carried out by third-party laboratories, including Janoshik Analytical and domestic US labs. A certificate of analysis is issued for each batch, so its figures match the exact vial you receive.
Quality & Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a cyclic nine-amino-acid signaling peptide involved in reproduction and social behavior. This is the acetate salt form, studied in receptor and physiology research and supplied for research use only.
What is the “acetate salt” form?
It is oxytocin paired with acetate as a counter-ion, a common, stable way to supply the peptide. The peptide itself is standard oxytocin.
Why is oxytocin cyclic?
Its two cysteine residues form a disulfide bond that closes the peptide into a ring. That ring shape is essential to how oxytocin binds its receptor.
What is oxytocin’s sequence and molecular weight?
Its sequence is Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂, its formula is C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂, and its molecular weight is 1007.19 Da, with CAS number 50-56-6.
Is oxytocin FDA approved?
The oxytocin molecule is used clinically in defined contexts, but the material sold here is a research-use-only reference peptide, not for human or veterinary use.
How should oxytocin be stored?
Keep the powder frozen at -20°C and protected from light. Once reconstituted for research, store at 2-8°C and use within about two weeks.
Does the disulfide bond need special care?
Avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles and harsh handling helps preserve the disulfide-bonded ring, which is important to the peptide’s structure.
How is this oxytocin verified?
It is tested to ≥99% purity by reverse-phase HPLC with mass-spec identity confirmation by an independent lab, and each batch has a published certificate of analysis.
References
- The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. 2018. PMID: 29897293.
- Oxytocin: its mechanism of action and receptor signalling in the myometrium. 2014. PMID: 24888645.
- Oxytocin receptor signaling in the hippocampus. 2018. PMID: 30359747.
