Guanidine hydrochloride is widely used in molecular biology for protein denaturation. It helps in unfolding proteins, making it useful in studies of protein folding and stability. The compound is also employed in the purification of inclusion bodies, aiding in the solubilization of proteins expressed in bacterial systems. In addition, it serves as a chaotropic agent in RNA isolation, facilitating the disruption of cellular structures to release nucleic acids. Guanidine hydrochloride is also utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and organic compounds, acting as a reagent or catalyst in various chemical reactions. Its ability to disrupt hydrogen bonds makes it valuable in research and industrial applications where protein or nucleic acid manipulation is required.