AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (AHK), an analogue of GHK in which alanine replaces glycine.
- TypePeptide-copper(II) complex
- Formula (peptide)C15H26N6O4
- Average mass354.40 g/mol
- CAS682809-81-0
- Vesta listings2
Reference page for laboratory use · updated 2026-10-30
Overview
AHK-Cu at a glance
AHK-Cu is much less studied than GHK-Cu. A published in-vitro study examined a tripeptide-copper complex in a human hair follicle culture model, and the coordination chemistry is expected to resemble that of GHK.
The identity numbers on this page describe the AHK peptide component (PubChem lists it as L-Alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine).
Structure
AHK is Ala-His-Lys. Copper(II) binds through the histidine imidazole and the neighbouring nitrogens, as in GHK-Cu.
Identity
Identity data
| Name | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Also written as | Alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper |
| Type | Peptide-copper(II) complex |
| Research area | Copper peptides |
| Molecular formula (AHK peptide) | C15H26N6O4 |
| Monoisotopic mass | 354.2016 Da |
| Average molecular weight | 354.40 g/mol |
| CAS number | 682809-81-0 |
| Sequence | Ala-His-Lys |
| PubChem record | CID 168431292 |
| PubChem record (peptide component) | CID 7408502 |
The numbers describe the peptide component, calculated from its sequence and matched to its PubChem record. The copper content and the salt form change the molecular weight of the supplied material. Reference data retrieved on 2026-10-30. Compare these values with the batch certificate of analysis, using the compound identity file template.
Expected values
Mass spectrometry reference
Ions calculated from the monoisotopic mass 354.2016 Da of the AHK peptide. Use them to check an LC-MS result; for larger peptides the instrument usually reports a deconvoluted mass close to 354.4 Da instead.
| Ion | m/z |
|---|---|
| [M+H]+ | 355.2089 |
| [M+Na]+ | 377.1908 |
| [M+K]+ | 393.1648 |
Read the guide to average and monoisotopic mass for how these values are calculated. Copper has two stable isotopes (63Cu and 65Cu), so spectra of the complex show a doublet pattern.
Quality
Analytical notes for batch documents
- Because the evidence base is small, rely on the batch documents for identity: mass of the peptide, copper content and HPLC purity.
- The molecular weight depends on the copper content and the salt form.
- The molecular weight of a vial of powder includes counter-ions and water; the share of the powder that is peptide is the net peptide content.
Terms used on this page: Peptide, Peptide purity.
Vesta listings
AHK-Cu formats and prices
Prices are per kit of 10 vials in US dollars. Shipping is paid by the customer and is shown in the cart. Volume savings of 5 %, 8 % and 10 % apply from $350.00, $600.00 and $1,000.00. See the full price list.
Published literature
Selected scientific literature
Bibliographic details were read from PubMed on 2026-10-30. The papers are listed for scientific reference; Vesta makes no claim about the use of its research materials in people or animals.
- The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitroPyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH et al. · Arch Pharm Res · 2007 · PMID 17703734
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (AHK), an analogue of GHK in which alanine replaces glycine.
What is the molecular weight of AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu (peptide component AHK) has the formula C15H26N6O4, an average molecular weight of 354.40 g/mol and a monoisotopic mass of 354.2016 Da. A salt form, a different counter-ion or a metal complex changes the molecular weight printed on a certificate of analysis, so compare like with like.
How can I check the identity of a batch of AHK-Cu?
Compare the intact mass measured by LC-MS with the expected values on this page, for example [M+Na]+ at m/z 377.1908. Confirm that one main HPLC peak carries that mass and that the batch code on the report matches the vial. The guides on mass spectrometry and on certificates of analysis explain each step.
Which AHK-Cu products does Vesta list?
Vesta lists 2 products for AHK-Cu: 50 mg, 100 mg per vial in kits of 10 vials. Prices are shown per kit in US dollars, and shipping is paid by the customer.