Which atoms hold the metal, and the shape they make

Published 24 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Copper(II) in GHK-Cu is coordinated by the N-terminal amine of glycine, the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the glycine-histidine peptide bond, and the imidazole nitrogen of histidine. The fourth position in the roughly square-planar arrangement is occupied by water or, in the solid state and in some solutions, by a carboxylate from a neighbouring molecule. The three-nitrogen chelate is what makes the complex stable.

The donors

Three nitrogens from one short peptide converge on one metal ion. The amine and the imidazole are intrinsic donors; the amide nitrogen becomes a donor only when it loses its proton, which copper(II) binding promotes. The result is two fused chelate rings, which is a far more stable arrangement than a single point of attachment.

This is why a tripeptide can compete with much larger proteins for copper.

The geometry

Copper(II) with four donors prefers a square-planar or slightly distorted arrangement. The three peptide nitrogens define three corners; the fourth is labile. That open position is where other ligands can approach and is the chemical reason the complex can interact with its surroundings rather than being inert.

It is also why pH matters: protonating the amide or the imidazole removes a corner.

Why this defines the compound

A defined coordination means a defined species with a defined mass, colour and reactivity. GHK-Cu is not a peptide with copper nearby; it is this arrangement. Analysis confirms it by mass and by the copper isotope pattern.

GHK-Cu is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
GHK-Cu Pack50 mgAED 425In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The donors?

Three nitrogens from one short peptide converge on one metal ion. The amine and the imidazole are intrinsic donors; the amide nitrogen becomes a donor only when it loses its proton, which copper(II) binding promotes. The result is two fused chelate rings, which is a far more stable arrangement than a single point of attachment.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

GHK-Cu Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.