Dithiothreitol (DTT) is the common name for a small-molecule
redox reagent also known as
Cleland's reagent. DTT's formula is C
4H
10O
2S
2 and the chemical structure of one of its
enantiomers in its reduced form is shown at the right; its oxidized form is a
disulfide bonded 6-membered ring (shown below). The reagent is commonly used in its racemic form, as both enantiomers are reactive. Its name derives from the four-carbon
sugar,
threose. DTT has an
epimeric ('sister') compound,
dithioerythritol (DTE).