Description
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide, a chain of nine amino acids arranged in a ring shape held together by a disulfide bond between two cysteine residues. Sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, molecular weight 1,007.19 g/mol, formula C43H66N12O12S2, CAS 50-56-6.
Oxytocin’s synthesis in 1953 by Vincent du Vigneaud was a watershed moment in peptide chemistry, it was the first polypeptide hormone ever synthesized in a laboratory, work that earned du Vigneaud the 1955 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This historical significance is part of why oxytocin remains such a heavily referenced compound in peptide research broadly, beyond its own specific biological effects. The compound is naturally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary, and is classified as both a neuropeptide (acting within the brain) and a peptide hormone (acting systemically), a dual role that has made it a subject of research spanning social behavior, reproductive physiology, and stress regulation.
In its research-grade form, oxytocin appears as a white to off-white lyophilized powder that is highly soluble in water. This product is strictly for research purposes only.
PubChem Reference: View compound profile on NIH PubChem
This product is strictly for research purposes only. Not approved for human or animal use.
Key Characteristics
MOLECULAR PROFILE
Formula: C43H66N12O12S2
Weight: 1007.19 g/mol
CAS: 50-56-6
Structure: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Alternative Names: α-Hypophamine, Ocytocin, Syntocinon
Storage: Cool, dry place away from light
Oxytocin in Published Research
Oxytocin research spans an unusually broad range of fields given its dual neuropeptide/hormone classification. Published research has investigated its role in social bonding and trust behavior, uterine contraction and lactation physiology (its original discovered function), and more recently its interaction with stress and anxiety pathways. Because it was the first peptide hormone ever synthesized, it also holds a foundational place in the history of peptide chemistry techniques more broadly.
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is Oxytocin studied for in research?
Social bonding behavior, reproductive physiology (uterine contraction, lactation), and stress/anxiety regulation, given its dual role as both a neuropeptide and hormone.
Why is Oxytocin historically significant?
It was the first peptide hormone ever chemically synthesized (1953), work that earned Vincent du Vigneaud the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
What are its alternative names?
Also known as α-Hypophamine, Ocytocin, and Syntocinon in older or pharmaceutical literature.
How should it be reconstituted and stored?
Bacteriostatic water, store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Where can I buy it?
2mg kit, HPLC/MS verified.
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