Carbodiimides

is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C6H11N)2C. It is a waxy white solid with a sweet odor. Its primary use is to couple amino acids during artificial peptide synthesis. The low melting point of this material allows it to be melted for easy handling. It is highly soluble in dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile and dimethylformamide, but insoluble in water.

thumb|right|General structure of trans-carbodiimides: The core functional group is shown in blue with attached Substituent|R groups

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC, EDAC or EDCI) is a water-soluble carbodiimide usually handled as the hydrochloride, which is a white solid.

'''N,'-Diisopropylcarbodiimide is a carbodiimide used in peptide synthesis. As a liquid, it is easier to handle than the commonly used N,''-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, a waxy solid. In addition, N,''-diisopropylurea, its byproduct in many chemical reactions, is soluble in most organic solvents, a property that facilitates work-up.