Some new bifunctional reagents for the conjugation of a protein with an amino compound in water.

Five symmetrical bifunctional reagents (I-V) have been synthesized and tested for their usefulness for the conjugation of albumin with tryptophan, in aqueous solution. With I and II about 17, with IV and V about 8 tryptophan residues could be introduced in the native protein. The difference is discussed. Reagent III has a very low solubility in water but may be useful if organic solvents are permissible.