---
title: "Protecting group: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "A protecting group is a temporary chemical modification that masks a reactive functional group so that a reaction can occur selectively elsewhere in the mo"
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/glossary/protecting-group
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

Glossary

# Protecting group

A protecting group is a temporary chemical modification that masks a reactive functional group so that a reaction can occur selectively elsewhere in the molecule. In peptide synthesis, the alpha-amino group and reactive side chains are protected, then removed in planned steps. Choosing compatible, orthogonally removable groups is central to successful synthesis.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protecting_group)

## Related terms

-   [Peptide](/glossary/peptide)

[Back to glossary A–Z](/glossary/terms)

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