VWR Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane 99.8-100.5%, AnalaR® NORMAPUR® analytical reagent

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, widely known as TRIS or Trometamol, is an essential compound in the realm of biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry due to its buffering capabilities and chemical stability. Below is a comprehensive description of its attributes, specifications, and applications:

Chemical Characteristics

• Chemical Formula: NH₂C(CH₂OH)₃
• Molecular Weight: 121.14 g/mol
• Structure: TRIS is a small organic molecule with a central amino group (NH₂) bonded to three hydroxymethyl groups (-CH₂OH). Its symmetrical structure and multiple functional groups contribute to its versatile buffering properties.
• Synonyms:
  • 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
  • Tromethamine
  • TRIS base
  • Trizma® base
  • THAM

Physical Properties

• Appearance: TRIS is a white crystalline powder, signifying its high purity.
• Melting Point: 169–172 °C, indicative of its thermal stability.
• Boiling Point: 357 °C at standard atmospheric pressure (1013 hPa).
• Density: 1.328 g/cm³ at 20 °C, ensuring its stability in solid form.
• Solubility: Readily soluble in water, enabling its wide use in aqueous buffer systems.
• Storage Conditions: Stable at ambient temperature, making it easy to handle and store without degradation.

Analytical Specifications

TRIS complies with stringent quality specifications, ensuring its reliability in sensitive applications:

Chemical Properties

• Buffering Capacity: TRIS is a highly effective buffer in the pH range of 7.0–9.0, commonly used in biological and chemical systems.
• pKa: Approximately 8.1 at 25 °C.
• Stability: It is chemically stable and does not degrade under normal storage and use conditions.

Applications

1. Buffer Preparation:
   TRIS is one of the most widely used buffers in biochemical and molecular biology experiments. It is especially crucial in maintaining stable pH conditions in reactions involving enzymes or nucleic acids.
   • Commonly used in TRIS-HCl and TRIS-phosphate buffers.
   • Ideal for electrophoresis, chromatography, and protein purification.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry:
   TRIS serves as an excipient in drug formulations, acting as a pH stabilizer or excipient in intravenous and topical drugs.
3. Laboratory Use:
   • Used in the preparation of running buffers for SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis.
   • Integral in the preparation of cell lysis and storage buffers.
4. Medical Applications:
   In its Trometamol form, it is used to treat metabolic acidosis in clinical settings.

Safety and Handling

• Irritation Warning: TRIS may cause irritation upon contact with skin, eyes, or respiratory system.
• Protective Measures: Use gloves, goggles, and appropriate laboratory attire when handling.
• Disposal: Dispose of according to local environmental regulations.

Storage Recommendations

• Temperature: Store at room temperature in a dry, ventilated area.
• Container: Use tightly sealed containers to avoid moisture absorption.

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane is an indispensable reagent with unmatched buffering capabilities and chemical stability. Its high purity, ease of use, and compatibility with a variety of biochemical applications make it a staple in laboratories worldwide. From DNA/RNA research to pharmaceutical formulations, TRIS continues to serve as a cornerstone for scientific advancement.