Iodoacetamide

2-Iodoacetamide is an alkylating sulfhydryl reagent used for peptide mapping purposes. Its actions are similar to those of iodoacetate. It is used in labs to bind covalently with cysteine, so the protein cannot aggregate to its natural structure. After that reducing agents are added to react any excess alkylating agent. Iodoacetamide is toxic. In laboratory mice it has been shown to cause skin tumors and negatively affect reproductive ability.