Compound comparison
GHK-Cu vs GHK
Same tripeptide backbone, one key difference: GHK-Cu carries a chelated copper(II) ion, while GHK is the free peptide without copper. The copper is what most copper-peptide research is built around. Supplied for laboratory research use only; not for human or veterinary use.
| GHK-Cu | GHK | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Copper-bound tripeptide complex | Free tripeptide |
| Copper (Cu²⁺) | Yes — chelated | No |
| Peptide sequence | Gly-L-His-L-Lys + copper | Gly-L-His-L-Lys |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 | C14H24N6O4 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 402 Da | ≈ 340.4 Da |
| PubChem CID | 165429100 | 73587 |
| Primary research area | Tissue, dermatology & biomaterials | Copper-peptide chemistry (base peptide) |
| Format at TagPep | 100 mg lyophilized research vial | Reference only — not stocked |
Molecular data verified against PubChem. CAS (49557-75-7) is applied to both forms across sources, so it is omitted here in favour of unambiguous identifiers.
GHK is the bare tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine). GHK-Cu is that peptide chelated to a copper(II) ion. The bound copper is integral to the copper-peptide research the complex is studied in, and it shifts the molecular weight from ≈340 Da to ≈402 Da. When a study or product specifies "GHK-Cu," the copper complex is what is intended.
GHK-Cu is a characterized reference material in tissue, dermatology and biomaterials research, with identity and reported purity confirmed by batch documentation. See the GHK-Cu research guide and the research-peptide reference table.
GHK-Cu 100 mg — in stock
Copper-bound tripeptide · lyophilized research vial with batch documentation
Free GHK is listed for reference only. Browse the full catalog in the shop, or see how to choose a supplier.
Common questions
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and GHK?
GHK is the free tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. GHK-Cu is that same tripeptide chelated to a copper(II) ion. The bound copper is the defining difference and is integral to most copper-peptide research; it also changes the molecular formula and weight (≈402 Da for the complex vs ≈340 Da for the free peptide). Both are supplied for laboratory research use only.
Does GHK-Cu contain copper and GHK does not?
Yes. GHK-Cu is the copper-bound complex (a copper(II) ion chelated to the GHK tripeptide). GHK refers to the peptide on its own, without copper. The CAS number 49557-75-7 is applied to both forms across different sources, so identity is best confirmed by formula, molecular weight and batch documentation rather than CAS alone.
Can I buy GHK-Cu for research?
Yes. TagPep stocks GHK-Cu as a 100 mg lyophilized research vial with batch-specific analytical documentation, for laboratory research use only. The free GHK peptide is shown here for reference and comparison.
Factual reference information for laboratory research and educational use. Both compounds are research materials supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use, consumption, injection, administration, diagnosis, or treatment. No dosing or administration guidance is provided or implied.