Tris

Chemical compound used as a buffer in biochemistry

Structural formula of Tris

Tris, also known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, is a chemical compound widely used as a buffer solution in biochemistry and molecular biology. Its chemical formula is (HOCH₂)₃C-NH₂, and it is a member of the amino alcohol class of compounds.

Chemical Properties

Tris is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 121.14 g/mol and a pKa of approximately 8.1 at 25°C, making it an effective buffer in the pH range of 7 to 9. This property makes it particularly useful in biological systems where maintaining a stable pH is crucial.

Applications

Tris is commonly used in the preparation of buffer solutions for electrophoresis, chromatography, and other biochemical techniques. It is often used in combination with other buffering agents, such as EDTA or borate, to create a stable environment for enzyme reactions and protein stability.

Buffering Capacity

The buffering capacity of Tris is due to its ability to donate and accept protons, which helps maintain a stable pH in aqueous solutions. This property is essential in biochemical assays where pH fluctuations can affect the activity of enzymes and the stability of nucleic acids.

Preparation

Tris buffer is typically prepared by dissolving the appropriate amount of Tris base in water and adjusting the pH with hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The final concentration and pH are adjusted according to the specific requirements of the experiment.

Safety and Handling

While Tris is generally considered safe to handle, it should be used with caution. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling Tris.

Related Pages

• Buffer solution
• pH
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Amino alcohol