2',3'-Dideoxycytidine in cells, it is phosphorylated to the active triphosphate form, ddCTP, which acts as a substrate for HIV reverse transcriptase (Ki = 51 nM). It incorporates into viral DNA where it terminates chain elongation when the missing hydroxyl group is encountered. It is also is used as a DNA chain-terminating nucleotide for DNA sequencing methods based on the Sanger chain-termination method.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.